Norway spruce

plant

Also known as: Picea abies

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a widely cultivated spruce tree native to northern Europe. It is characterized by its pyramidal shape, spreading branches, and pendulous branchlets, along with dark foliage and long, drooping cones.1

Spruces, belonging to the genus Picea, are evergreen trees important in the paper industry and for timber used in various applications, including musical instruments and construction. These trees typically have a pyramidal form, whorled branches, and needle-like leaves that are jointed near the stem. The cones of spruce trees hang downward once fertilized. The Norway spruce is valued as both a timber and ornamental tree and is used in reforestation efforts in Europe and North America.2

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spruce
Major species
The Norway spruce (P. abies), an important timber and ornamental tree native to northern Europe, is used in reforestation both there and in North America.
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The Norway spruce (P. abies), an important timber and ornamental tree native to northern Europe, is used in reforestation both there and in North America.
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Merry and Bright
8 Jolly Christmas Plants: Spruce
The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a common Christmas tree in many places. Blue spruce (P. pungens) and white spruce (P. glauca) are also used.
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The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a common Christmas tree in many places. Blue spruce (P. pungens) and white spruce (P. glauca) are also used.
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temperate forest
Population and community development and structure
…(Acer platanoides), and spruce (Picea abies). Until 1923 large areas were dominated by linden, but most tree regeneration at that time was by spruce, hornbeam, and maple. By 1973 these latter species had become common as canopy trees, and lindens began regenerating freely, as they had not at the…
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…(Acer platanoides), and spruce (Picea abies). Until 1923 large areas were dominated by linden, but most tree regeneration at that time was by spruce, hornbeam, and maple. By 1973 these latter species had become common as canopy trees, and lindens began regenerating freely, as they had not at the…
Read More