Ecological. Never "top" a Norway spruce. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/nor_spruce.html, http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/picabia.pdf, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/spruce-tree-reproduction-seeds-44386.html, https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/norway-spruce. Spruce trees can be distinguished from fir trees because they have downwards-hanging cones; and they differ from pine trees by having shorter needles. A splendiferous, flowing, and non-flowering conifer, which if trained in the early years, can be left alone for the rest of its life; we are referring to the ever famous and striking Norway spruce. After they become fertilized the cones point downward and eventually fall to the ground. A monoecious tree, the Norway spruce has the capability of self-pollination by producing both male and female flowers, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Cytospora canker, a disease caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei, afflicts Norway spruce trees that are older then 15 or 20 years. The tree's lower limbs show the first signs of disease: needles turn brown and fall from the tree. Old Tjikko, a clone of Norway spruce is believed to be 9, 550 years old, being the oldest living tree in the world. This stress-related fungal canker is found on spruce, notably Blue Colorado spruce and Norway spruce, grown outside of its native habitat. Norway spruce is a tall evergreen tree growing to heights of 40 to 60 feet. It is a classic evergreen tree for large spaces. Norway Spruce has the largest cones of all Spruce trees and is a key identifier for the species. It is used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Seeds: It has long cylindrical brown cones which hang down. The pliable roots of white spruce were used to lace the joints of birch bark canoes. Copper-based fungicides help p… Interesting Facts. The tree was reported to be 468 years old, according to Gymnosperm Database. (Low needle retention) 5. In the wild, the Colorado blue spruce can live 200 years or more. The Norway spruce is native to northern and central Europe. However, if they're transplanted, planted in inadequate conditions or don't receive proper care, their health can become compromised. Dec 18, 2019 - The Norway spruce is a large, fast-growing evergreen coniferous tree found throughout the forests of southern and eastern Norway. It is sometimes used as a Christmas tree. Cut or damaged trees do not resprout from stumps or roots. Norway spruce trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. Its strong branches are able to hold up the thousands of lights and ornaments, and being outside the needles stay on the tree for a long time. Some may need a wide open space, for others you could plant in wide open areas, as part of foundation planting, in a container, or even in a rock garden. A monoecious tree, the Norway spruce has the capability of self-pollination by producing both male and female flowers, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Over the course of several years, the disease progresses upward, affecting more limbs. The tree grows best and enjoys the longest lifespan in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 to 7 and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. This hardy, adaptable tree thrives in moist conditions, but will grow in clay or sandy soils. Growing a Norway spruce is relatively easy if you choose an acceptable site. Norway spruce Akrokona It is known that for the first time this subspecies of common spruce was found at the end of the 19th century in a forest near the Swedish city of Uppsala. Most suited to outdoor environments. Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a conifer species growing to over 45m and flowering in May. Norway spruce belongs to the scientific genus Picea and is a member of the pine family (Pinaceae). Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Norway Spruce, Ohio State University: Cytospora Canker of Spruce. Norway Spruce is commonly planted and beginning to escape into natural areas. As the tree ages, the upper canopy becomes flat and slightly irregular. Best planted in full sun. It is also a popular selection for bonsai. Its scientific name ‘abies’ means ‘fir-like’ in Latin. Norway spruce also makes a good roosting tree for hawks and owls. Although the disease rarely kills the tree, it does weaken it, which results in a shorter lifespan. The wood of the Norway spruce is highly significant in its homeland. Norway Spruce. RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : Phanerophyte REGENERATION PROCESSES : Sexual reproduction: Norway spruce usually first reproduces at 30 to 40 years of age. Thin, spiky needles. The Sitka Spruce has pale brown, domed cones that are shorter (10cm long) than those of the Norway Spruce (15-20cm long). Dying Norway spruces may lose foliage and have yellow needles, but they can usually be saved. It is not a tree for smaller yards. It has been widely planted in cool and temperate regions of North American where it typically … And while this species does grow in Norway, the name is a bit of a misnomer. It was brought into the United States for use as an ornamental landscape tree. Characteristics of a Norway Spruce; 1. Lifespan. Norway Spruce Care . Each year the Rockefeller Center in New York City uses a large Norway spruce as its traditional Christmas tree. It tolerates a range of soil types but prefers that soild is well-draining, in a slightly acidic pH range. All Rights Reserved. Copper-based fungicides help prevent the infection but do not cure it. There are approximately 120 cultivars of the tree, according to Floridata. Stradivarius is reported to have recycled old ship oars for the Norway spruce wood that he used in the manufacture of his violins, according to the Nebraska Forest Service. Based in Oregon, Kimberly Sharpe has been a writer since 2006. The tree's lower limbs show the first signs of disease: needles turn brown and fall from the tree. Because of its potential size, Norway spruce is often used as a windbreak, screen or large hedge in large-scale landscapes. This tree is often seen in Asian gardens or … Norway Spruce is the fastest growing spruce we carry but it's not as dense as other spruce trees. 3. The Norway spruce is one of the most widely planted spruces, both in and outside of its native range, and one of the most economically important coniferous species in Europe. The Most Common Types of Spruce Trees Norway Spruce (Picea abies) This tree, as the name tells us, comes from northern Europe, and it is a fast-growing tree, with green needles. Your email address will not be published. Does poorly in shade conditions. see more; Family Pinaceae . It also has a tendency to cause creosote buildup in chimneys and stoves, so make sure you only burn seasoned wood to lower your risk of an accidental fire. At maturity they can be 100 feet tall and have a life span of centuries. Cytospora canker, a disease caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei, afflicts Norway spruce trees that are older then 15 or 20 years. Its scientific name ‘abies’ means ‘fir-like’ in Latin. The pyramid-shape makes it as a viable choice for Christmas trees. This very large pyramidal tree with stiff, dark needles and graceful, pendulous branches is good for large yards. Spruce firewood burns hot and fast, popping and throwing lots of embers as it burns. The tallest tree ever used was a 100-foot Norway Spruce from Killingworth, Conn. in 1948. If the tree is infected, cankers can cause branch death usually first at the bottom of the tree and continue upward; however branch death Trees that are between 10 to 20 years old are more likely to be affected. The Norway spruce tree is one of the fastest growing varieties of evergreens, and only takes about … The needles are softer than in most other spruce trees. 2. Planting a Norway spruce is easy because it competes well with grass and weeds and requires no site preparation. Picea abies, commonly called Norway spruce, is a large pyramidal evergreen conifer that is native to the mountains of northern and central Europe east to the Urals.In its native European habitat, it typically matures to 100-150' (occasionally to 200') tall. Infected branches cannot be saved. Normal life span of the White spruce is 200 years. White Spruce produces cones that are 1-2 inches, Colorado Blue Spruce produces cones that are 2-4 inches, and Norway Spruce cones are 4-7 inches. 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