Norway spruce

Profile

Family

Pinaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

40 m

Spread

14 m

Growth

very fast

Lifespan

600 years

First yield

after 30 years

Hardiness

zone 3–7

Shade tolerance

light shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very wet

pH

4 – 7

Synonyms

Fichte

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Male catkins are utilized for flavoring, while unripe female cones can be boiled. The roasted central part of the cones has a sweet and syrupy taste. The inner bark, when dried and ground into powder, acts as a thickening agent in soups or bread-making. Additionally, it can serve as emergency food. The seeds are edible raw, containing rich oil with a slightly resinous flavor. Young shoots can be brewed into a vitamin C-rich tea, and they are also employed in spruce beer production.

Other uses: The tree produces Burgundy pitch and Jurassic turpentine, both extracted by making cuts in the trunk and scraping out the resin months later. Burgundy pitch is used in varnishes, medicinal plasters, and as a strong adhesive, while Jurassic turpentine serves as an impregnating agent and wood preservative. An essential oil from the leaves is utilized in perfumery, and the seed contains 30% fixed oil for varnish production. The bark, rich in tannin, was historically used as a tannin source in Europe, with up to 13% tannin content. Heating or steaming the bark immediately after felling doubled the tannin yield. The tree, known for its wind resistance and fast growth, is often planted in shelterbelts for wind protection. Dwarf varieties like 'Inversa,' 'Reflexa,' and 'Procumbens' can be grown as ground cover in sunny areas. The wood, valued for its medium-hardness, elasticity, water resistance, light color, and weight, is used in joinery, musical instruments, and paper production in the pulp industry.

Growing

It thrives in moist soil but can adapt to drier conditions. It grows well in various soil types except for calcareous or acidic soils. It prefers a pH level between 4 and 6 and does not tolerate shade. The tree is sensitive to air pollution and can withstand certain levels of wind exposure and salty winds. The tree is hardy when dormant, with young shoots being somewhat vulnerable to late frosts. It is a fast-growing tree commonly cultivated in cooler regions for its wood. Growth rate decreases with age, and it may not live very long. In some areas, aluminum poisoning from rain acidification has affected its growth and health. The tree is a food source for caterpillars and can be aggressive towards other trees. It is prone to bark beetle attacks and should be kept away from more valuable trees. Planting should be done when trees are small to avoid stunted growth and poor root development. The species is susceptible to honey fungus and should be planted between 30 and 90 cm in height. Self-pollinated seeds have poor growth, and the tree can hybridize with other species in the genus. Seeds are shed in spring, and the crushed leaves have a pleasant musky scent.

Propagation

Seeds - Enhancing germination through stratification is recommended. Fresh seeds should ideally be planted in autumn, preferably in a cool environment. For stored seeds, early sowing in a cold setting is advised. Optimal conditions include partial shade, adequate moisture to prevent drying, and storage in a cool place. Once seedlings are robust enough, transplant them into individual pots and nurture them in a greenhouse or cold environment during the initial winter. By early summer of the subsequent year, they can be transferred to their permanent spot or placed outdoors for further growth, possibly needing protection from spring frosts. For propagation, take 5-8 cm cuttings from semi-mature terminal shoots in August, ensuring protection from frost for root formation in spring. In September/October, gather 5-10 cm cuttings from mature terminal shoots in a cold environment for a 12-month duration. During early summer, take cuttings from soft to semi-mature wood in a frame, allowing for gradual development.

Notable

Special features: Grows on impoverished, compacted, moist, acidic soils (moorland edge → high mountains → -60°C). Stands trap cold air/fog; susceptible to wind and pests; as a hedge, it provides good wind protection; grows so quickly that it produces 2-3 times more wood mass than beech, always maintaining an upright growth. ~28% of German forests; 1500 kWh/m³; 4.5 kWh/kg

Origin & habitat

South-Central Europe

1000 - 1600m mountain forests

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