black spruce

plant

Also known as: Picea mariana

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Black spruce (Picea mariana) is a species of evergreen tree native to northern North America, primarily found in moist soils and bogs. It is a member of the spruce genus (Picea), which includes about 40 species of trees in the conifer family Pinaceae.12

Spruces are characterized by their pyramidal shape, whorled branches, and needle-like leaves that leave a woody peg on the twig when they fall. Black spruce cones are purple, and the tree is used for pulp production. This species is widely distributed across northern North America, extending from the Great Lakes region to the Arctic tree line.12

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tree
Adaptations
For example, the black spruce (Picea mariana) is found in bogs and mountaintops in the northeastern United States but cannot compete well with other trees, such as red spruce (P. rubens), on better sites. Consequently, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the northeastern United States, red…
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For example, the black spruce (Picea mariana) is found in bogs and mountaintops in the northeastern United States but cannot compete well with other trees, such as red spruce (P. rubens), on better sites. Consequently, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the northeastern United States, red…
Read More

spruce
Major species
Black spruce (Picea mariana) and white spruce (P. glauca) are found throughout most of northern North America, from the Great Lakes to the Arctic tree line. Both are used for pulp. White spruce produces good lumber, and black spruce is the source of spruce gum.…
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Black spruce (Picea mariana) and white spruce (P. glauca) are found throughout most of northern North America, from the Great Lakes to the Arctic tree line. Both are used for pulp. White spruce produces good lumber, and black spruce is the source of spruce gum.…
Read More