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Picea glauca, commonly known as the white spruce, is a hardy, evergreen conifer native to the boreal forests of North America. This versatile tree is prized for its adaptability, compact growth habit, and distinctive silver-blue foliage. Reaching heights of 40-80 feet, with a spread of 10-20 feet, the white spruce is a medium-sized tree that thrives in cold, northern climates. Its needle-like leaves are arranged spirally around the branches, creating a dense, pyramid-shaped canopy that is typically narrower and more compact than other spruce species. The true visual appeal of Picea glauca lies in its striking, silvery-blue to blue-green needles, which shimmer in the sunlight and provide a cool, elegant contrast to the tree's greyish-brown bark. This unique coloration is the result of a waxy coating on the needles that reflects light, giving the tree an ethereal, frosted appearance. In addition to its ornamental value, the white spruce is also a valuable timber tree, with its straight, strong wood used in construction, pulpwood, and as a source of resin. The tree is also an important food source and nesting habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and moose. Adaptable to a range of soil types and growing conditions, from well-drained to moist, the white spruce is a versatile choice for landscaping. It is commonly used as a specimen tree, windbreak, or privacy screen, and its cold hardiness makes it a popular selection for northern regions. Whether admired for its distinctive coloration, compact form, or ecological significance, Picea glauca is a cherished, iconic tree that has long been a staple of North American forests and landscapes.
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Colorful Foliage, Deer Resistant, Evergreen, Formal Garden, Foundation, Full Sun, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Medium, Native to North America, Normal Soil, Perennial, Specimen, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Wet, Wet Site Tolerant, Winter Interest
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North Shore Plant Club
