Bird's Nest Spruce (Picea abies 'Nidiformis')
py-SEE-ah abies 'Nidiformis'

Evergreen Perennial Shrub in the Pinaceae Family
 

Picea abies, commonly known as the Norway spruce, is a majestic, evergreen conifer native to the mountains of central and northern Europe. This towering tree is renowned for its pyramidal silhouette, dense, dark green foliage, and distinctive, drooping branch tips.

Reaching impressive heights of 40-70 feet, with a spread of 25-30 feet, the Norway spruce is a large, fast-growing tree that commands attention in the landscape. Its needle-like leaves, which are soft to the touch, are arranged spirally around the branches, creating a luxuriant, textured appearance.

One of the most distinctive features of Picea abies is its pendulous branch tips, which give the tree a graceful, weeping habit. As the tree matures, the lower branches tend to droop towards the ground, further accentuating the tree's elegant, pyramidal form.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Norway spruce is also prized for its utility. The tree's strong, straight trunk has long been used in construction and shipbuilding, while its branches and needles are valued for their use in essential oils and wreaths.

Adaptable to a wide range of soil types and growing conditions, including full sun and partial shade, the Norway spruce is a versatile choice for landscaping. It is commonly used as a specimen tree, screen, or windbreak, and its tolerance for urban pollution and cold temperatures make it a popular selection for northern climates.

Whether admired for its majestic stature, unique branching structure, or practical applications, Picea abies is a timeless, iconic tree that has captivated gardeners and foresters alike for centuries.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 3 feet tall. 24 - 36 inches wide.
Growth Rate Slow
Moisture Tolerance Medium : Widely Adaptable
Zones 3a - 7b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Deer Resistant, Evergreen, Formal Garden, Foundation, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Good for Hedges, Good for Mass Planting, Good for Rock Garden, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Medium, Medium, Normal Soil, Perennial, Shrub, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Winter Interest, Woodland Garden Evergreen Shrubs, Small Shrubs
Bloom Period Non-flowering
Flower Color Non-Flowering
 

More Info from Experts
Want More photos of this plant? Try Google Image Search!
 


Pricing and Availability History

Click a label to toggle visibility for that size

© North Shore Plant Club 2024. Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions.

Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


Benefits of Membership

Want a better way to get great plants and make your yard look awesome? Create your account below and get:

  • The best plants… from the same sources the pros use, but at near wholesale prices
  • More plants in more sizes than anywhere else… whether you’re looking for classics or rarities; annuals, perennials or shrubs; one plant or a whole yardful!
  • "No Contact" delivery or easy pick-up at a site near you without fighting the retail crowds. You choose!

Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.

Already a member?

Login

About Ordering From The Plant Club

To secure the best prices for club members and make sure we know the current plants available from each nursery, we take orders only a couple of times a month.

Shoot us an email at help@northshoreplantclub.com, and we'll be happy to talk about plants or let you know when it's time to buy them!


No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!