Description
Norway spruce (Picea abies)- a tree 30 - 35 m high, crown diameter 6 - 8 m. In favorable conditions it can grow up to 50 m. The needles are needle-shaped, tetrahedral, 1-2 cm long, dark green. Annual growth is 50 cm in height, 15 cm in width. Up to 10-15 years it grows slowly, then quickly. U common spruce the crown is cone-shaped, with distant or drooping branches, rising at the end, and remains sharp until the end of life. The bark is reddish-brown or gray, smooth or fissured, of varying degrees and nature of fissuring, relatively thin. The shoots are light brown or rusty yellow, glabrous. Sensitive to pollution and dry air. Tolerates shade well. Durability 250 - 300 years.
| Size: | height 15-20 m, diameter 6-8 m. |
| Root system: | superficial, widely spread, highly branched; deep on drained soil. |
| Growth rate: | up to 10-15 years it is low, then it accelerates to 70 cm per year, after 100-120 years growth slows down again. |
| Light: | sun, partial shade, shade. |
| Soils: | moderately moist loams, light soils with a slightly alkaline reaction (see). |
| Watering: | During dry periods, watering is required. |
| Winter hardiness: | USDA zone 3 (see). |
| Fruit: | cones are 10-15 cm long and 3-4 cm thick, light green, brownish-brown when mature. |
Planting and caring for spruce ordinary
Do not allow soil compaction and moisture stagnation. The landing site should be away from groundwater. It is imperative to make a drainage layer, in the form of sand or broken brick, 15-20 cm thick. If spruce trees are planted in groups, then the distance for tall spruce trees should be from 2 to 3 m. The depth of the planting hole is 50-70 cm.
It is important that the root collar is at ground level. You can prepare a special soil mixture: leaf and turf soil, peat, and sand in a ratio of 2:2:1:1. Immediately after planting, the tree must be watered generously with 40 - 50 liters of water. It is advisable to apply fertilizer (100-150 g of nitroammophosphate, 10 g of root per 10 l, etc.).
Spruce trees do not like dry, hot weather, so during the hot season they need to be watered once a week, approximately 10-12 liters per tree. Carry out shallow loosening (5cm). For the winter, sprinkle peat around the trunk with a thickness of 5-6 cm; after winter, the peat is simply mixed with the ground, not removed. Spruce trees can also be planted in winter.
Approximately 2 times a season you can apply fertilizer for coniferous plants.
Typically, spruce trees do not need pruning, but if they form a hedge, pruning is allowed. As a rule, diseased and dry branches are removed. It is best to carry out pruning in late May - early June, when the period of active sap flow ends.
To protect the decorative forms of spruce from autumn and winter frosts, they can be covered with spruce branches. (cm. , ).
Norway spruce description photo seeds cones needles varieties nidiformis Siberian inversa acrocona characteristics
Latin name Picea abies (L.) Karst.
Family Pinaceae Lindl. - Pine
European spruce description
High evergreen tree height 30 - 35 (50) m, crown diameter - 8 m, trunk diameter up to 1.2 (2.4) m.
The crown is cone-shaped, compact or loose.
The bark when young is brownish, smooth, then reddish-brown, scaly-rough.
The needles are 10-25 mm long, 0.1 cm thick, 4-sided, pointed or curved. Dark green, shiny, lasts 6-7 years. Stores on branches for 6-12 years. A seventh of it falls every year.
Male cones are smaller than female ones and have a greenish-yellow color; they are located at the ends of last year's shoots, between the needles. Female inflorescences are bright red, the size of a grape. Male cones are reddish-yellow, female cones are purple or green.
The cones are cylindrical, 10 - 15 cm long, 3 - 4 cm wide, immature cones are light green or dark purple, mature ones are light brown or reddish brown, hanging down.
Blooms in May-June. Produces pollen in May-June. The seeds ripen in September-October.
Spreading
homeland - Europe.
Growing
Annual growth in height is 50 cm, in width - 15 cm. Up to 10 - 15 years it grows slowly, then quickly. Life expectancy is 250 - 300 years. Shade-tolerant, at a young age it can suffer from spring sunburn. Prefers fresh, well-drained acidic, sandy and loamy soils, does not tolerate stagnant water, salinity and dry soil.
Agricultural technology
Highly winter-hardy (excellent), drought-resistant (good), sometimes severely affected by pests and diseases (satisfactory). Dusting in May, cones ripen in October, seeds disperse in the second half of winter (good). Shade-tolerant. Can grow in poor soils, but prefers fresh, moist, well-drained soils.
Those given in a separate article are based on many years of growing experience. various types and decorative forms of spruce in Moscow, in the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Reproduction
Reproduces seeds, cultivars by cuttings and grafting.
Varieties
Varieties
Akrokona Asgosop. The variety was bred in Finland in 1890. Tree height is 2 - 3 m, crown diameter is 2 - 4 m, the crown is wide-conical.
The bark at a young age is brownish, smooth, later - reddish-brown, scaly-rough.
The needles are needle-shaped, tetrahedral, pointed, 1-2 cm long, 0.1 cm thick, dark green. Stores on branches for 6-12 years. Blooms in May. Male spikelets
reddish-yellow, female cones bright purple. The cones are cylindrical, large. Immature cones are bright, red, mature ones are light brown or reddish-brown, hanging down. The annual growth is 10 cm in height and 8 cm in width. It grows slowly. Shade-tolerant, at a young age it can suffer from spring sunburn. It prefers fresh, well-drained, acidic, sandy and loamy soils; it does not tolerate stagnant water, salinity and dry soil. Frost-resistant, but at a young age it can suffer from spring frosts. The cones look exceptionally beautiful.
Application: in single plantings, groups, alleys.
Aurea (“Aurea”) The height of the tree is usually up to 10 m. The branches are horizontal. The needles are shiny, yellowish-white, easily burnt in the sun, but in the shade the needles remain pale. Frost-resistant.
It is found in culture in Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and was recently brought to Russia.
Recommended for group plantings.
“Aurea Magnifica”, Golden Magnificent (“Aurea Magnified’). Low-growing, bush-like form, up to 3 m in height. The shoots are horizontal and raised above the ground. The needles are light yellow-golden, orange-yellow in winter. One of the most beautiful yellow-colored forms of common spruce. Received in 1899 in Boskop. Lovely golden shape. Propagated by grafting and cuttings.
Recommended for single and group plantings in gardens, as well as in rock gardens.
“Berry” (“WagguG”). Strong, powerful dwarf form. Young plants have a rounded crown. By old age, the branches grow unevenly in different sides, become quite long and raised.
Young shoots are orange-brown, with large buds at the ends surrounded by needles. The needles are shiny, dark green, about 10 mm long, blunt, directed forward and upward.
Widely known in culture since 1891. Not yet found in Russia.
“Viminalis”, Rod-shaped (“Viminalis”) Tall tree, sometimes up to 20 m tall. The crown shape is wide-conical. The shoots are long and almost vertically spaced from each other, later bending down. The needles are light green, slightly crescent-shaped, up to 3 cm long.
It grows wild in many areas of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Scandinavian countries, V
Russia. First discovered in 1741 near Stockholm.
It grows quite quickly. Annual growth is up to 40 cm. Propagated by cuttings and grafting. The rooting rate of cuttings is 40%.
Recommended for landscaping parks and squares, for single and small group plantings.
“Virgata”, Serpentine (‘Virgata’) A low tree, up to 5 m tall, but more often a shrub. Mostly with long, barely branched shoots that resemble whips or hoses. The upper shoots are directed upward, the lower ones hang down. Buds are found only at the ends of shoots, from which new shoots can grow. The needles are radial, up to 26 mm in length, thick, very sharp, rough; often bent upward, remaining on the shoots for about 10 years. Grows quickly. The annual growth of apical shoots sometimes reaches 1 m. The form was first found in 1853 in France, later in Germany, Czechoslovakia, Scandinavian countries, and Switzerland. Naturally grows in the forests of Europe. Currently widespread in culture. Unusual shape, of interest to fans exotic plants, recommended for landscaping. Propagated by cuttings (6% without treatment with a stimulant) and grafting.
Used for single planting in parks or squares, on parterre lawns.
“Gregoriana” (“Gregoryana■’). Dwarf form, 60 - 80 cm tall. It grows extremely slowly. The annual growth of shoots is about 20 mm. The crown is rounded, cushion-shaped. The shoots are thick, curved, strongly branched, light brown, slightly pubescent.
The buds are yellow-green, round, collected in groups of 10 at the end of the shoot. The needles are gray-green, with a sharp end, 8-12 mm long. The lower needles are arranged radially, the upper ones are star-shaped, opening the bud.
A well-known and popular form, it is often confused with the very rare form “Echiniformis”, from which it differs in shorter needles (8-12 mm long), densely located, as well as the absence of strong shoots protruding beyond the general circumference, so characteristic of “Echiniformis " Propagated by cuttings and grafting.
Recommended for group plantings in parks, rock gardens, and also for growing in containers.
“Echiniformis”, Prickly (“Echiniformis”)
Dwarf, slow-growing form, reaching 20 cm in height and 40 cm in width. The crown is cushion-shaped, unevenly developed in different directions. The shoots are light brown, glabrous, slightly shiny, hard, and relatively thick. Annual growth is 15-20 mm. The buds are light brown, large, cylindrical, rounded. The needles are yellow-green to gray-green, the lower needles are flat with a short sharp tip, the upper ones are star-shaped, located under the terminal cone. Known in culture since 1875. Propagated by seeds and grafting.
Recommended for group and single plantings in rocky gardens, for growing in containers, for landscaping balconies and roofs, for cemeteries.
“Inverse”, Inverted (“.Inversef’). Tree 6 - 8 m tall, with a narrow, unevenly developed crown. The crown diameter is 2 - 2.5 m. The branches and shoots are hanging, vertically vertical, the lower branches lie on the ground. The trunk is densely covered with branches. The buds are obtuse, red-brown, surrounded by two relatively large lateral buds. The needles are thick, dark green, shiny, semi-radially located. Unique shape that attracts the attention of lovers and
landscapers. Propagated by grafting. Being grafted onto prickly or common spruce “buttwise, with the core on the cambium,” it grows relatively quickly. The annual growth is 15-20 cm. Discovered in 1884 by R. Smith in England.
Currently quite common in culture abroad, it is also found in Russia. Recommended for single and group plantings on lawn parterres, rock gardens and gardens.
“Clanbrassiliaiia” Dwarf form, according to appearance reminds vespiary. Old plants have a height of about 1.5 m, rarely 2 m. The shoots are thin and curved. The annual growth is 2-5 cm. The shoots are light, gray-brown above, white, like cream, to greenish-white, shiny, bare below. There are varieties with long needles on powerful shoots and with short needles on weak shoots. The buds are acutely ovate, 4-5 mm long. There are only 2-3 lateral buds, long, red-brown, shiny, very resinous in winter and then gray. Apical buds 1-3 - The needles are almost radially spaced, about 5-10 mm long, shiny, light green, densely covering the shoots, in the middle the needles are the widest, thickest, flat in section, keeled, in the upper half long and sharp, fragile tip. It is recommended to remove old branches to make the plants look more impressive.
The oldest plant has been known since 1780, it was discovered near Belfast (Northern Ireland), brought by Lord Clanbrassilian to his Tollymore estate. This plant has survived to this day and has a height of 3 m. Currently, the form is widely cultivated in Europe, but is not always correctly named. It is advisable to try this form in Russia.
“Columnaris”. Tree with a columnar crown. Height up to 15 m, crown diameter up to 1.5 m. The bark when young is brownish, smooth, then reddish-brown, scaly-rough. The needles are needle-shaped, tetrahedral, pointed, 1 - 2 cm long, 0.1 cm thick, dark green. Stores on branches for 6-12 years. It grows slowly. Shade-tolerant. At a young age, he may suffer from spring sunburn. Prefers fresh, well-drained, acidic sandy and loamy soils, does not tolerate stagnant water, salinity and dry soil. Frost-resistant, but at a young age it can suffer from spring frosts.
Application: single plantings, groups, alleys.
“Compact” (“Compact^’). Dwarf form, usually about 1.5 - 2 m tall. Old plants sometimes reach 6 m in height with the same crown width. The shoots are numerous, short, raised and brown in the upper part of the crown. The needles are about 9 mm long, shorter towards the top of the shoot, shiny, green. The form has been known in culture since 1864. In Holland and Germany it is found quite widely, in
England is still apparently unknown. In Russia it is available in the collections of botanical gardens.
“Conica” Dwarf form, squat, with an obovate crown. It grows quite quickly, the annual growth is 3-6 cm. The branches are raised, tightly
pressed together, thin, light or dark brown. The needles are radial and densely located, thin, soft, light green, 3-6 mm long. In cultivation since 1847, currently cultivated in Estonia and Lithuania.
“Cranstonif’.” Tree 10 - 15 m tall, with a loose, wide-conical crown and powerful branches. The needles are protruding, dark green, highly compressed, up to 30 mm long, often slightly wavy. The shoots are loosely located, branch weakly, and sometimes there are no side shoots. It grows slowly. The form is close to “Virgata” (Serpentine), but more bushy. When propagated by seed, 1296 inherit the form. Appeared in England in Cranston's nursery in 1840 when grown from seeds.
Recommended for solitaire plantings in gardens or on ground floors in parks.
“Little Gem” (“Little Gent’). A completely dwarf form, a mutation from the common spruce “Nest-shaped”, less than 1 m high, flat-rounded, with a nest-shaped depression on top. The branches from the middle of the plant rise obliquely upward (annual growth 2-3 cm). The shoots are very thin, tightly compressed. The needles are thick, completely cover the shoot, 2-5 mm long, very thin. Originated in Boskop in I960. Propagated by cuttings.
Recommended for landscaping roofs, terraces, rock gardens. Sometimes grown in containers.
“Maxwellit” (“Maxwellit’”). Dwarf form, up to 60 cm in height, cushion-shaped growth and with a vaguely defined wide-pyramidal crown formed by very short, vertically directed thick shoots, evenly distributed throughout the bush. Crown diameter - up to 2 m. Annual growth - 2 - 2.5 cm. The needles are dense, prickly, yellow-green, radially located on straight shoots. It grows slowly. Shade-tolerant. Propagated by cuttings. Valuable form, resistant to soot and soot. It has been known in culture for more than 100 years. Originated in the nursery of T. S. Maxwell in I860 in Geneva. Nowadays it is often found in American gardens.
Recommended for growing in containers, on roofs and balconies. Can be planted singly or in small groups in gardens, on alpine hills.
“Nana” (“.NandThe shape of the crown is obovate, growing unevenly, at the top there are the strongest straight shoots. Young shoots on both sides are orange, bare, shiny with a pronounced ridge, very thick and hard, often wavy, sometimes bizarre in shape. Annual growth is from 5 to 50 mm, sometimes up to 10 cm. The buds are orange-brown, obtuse, ovoid, various in size, apical from 2 to 6 mm long, the rest 1-2 mm. The needles are radial, on weak shoots they are densely located, on strong shoots the needles are far apart from each other, bright green, shiny, very variable in size, 2 - 16 mm long, mostly straight, on rough shoots they are curved from the outside, in cross section, diamond-shaped , directed forward and completely covering the apical buds, has a short, delicate, sharp tip. On both sides of the needles there are 2 - 4 lines that do not reach the tip.
The origin of the form is unknown, but already in 1855 it appeared in France, and today it is rarely found there.
Currently, the form most often sold under this name is “Pygmea”.
“Nidiformis”, Nest-shaped (“NidifomiifT”). Dwarf form, slightly higher than 1 m, wide, dense. The crown is cushion-shaped, flattened, which is obtained in the form of a nest due to the shoots growing obliquely from the middle of the plant and the absence of main branches. The branches grow evenly, fan-shaped and trumpet-shaped. There are numerous shoots. Annual growth is 3-4 cm. The needles are light green, flat, with 1 - 2 stomatal lines, which are hallmark, 7-10 mm long. The form was obtained in 1904 at the Ruhlemann-Grisson nursery (Hamburg). The name was given by Beisner in 1906.
Very effective for low borders, in small groups created on parterres and rock gardens.
It is recommended to test it in landscaping roofs and loggias. Currently one of the most common dwarf forms.
"Ohlendorffii" Dwarf form, height 6 - 8 m, crown diameter 2.5 - 4 m, at a young age the crown is rounded, in old age it is wide-conical with several peaks. The shoots are erect and spreading, unevenly developed, densely located in the crown. Annual growth is 2 - 6 cm. The buds are dark, orange-brown, and are found in groups at the ends of the shoots. The needles are golden-yellowish-green, short, prickly, and in appearance resemble the needles of oriental spruce.
Obtained from seeds in T. Ohlendorff's nursery near Hamburg in the mid-19th century. The seeds were brought from the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. They propagate se-
exchanges, cuttings (24%). Does not tolerate stagnant water or salinity
and dry soil. Shade-tolerant.
“Pyramidata”, Pyramidal (“Pyramidata”). Tall tree with normal growth. The crown is narrow-conical. The lower shoots are long, the upper ones are gradually shortened and directed upward. The needles densely cover the shoots, on the upper side of the shoot the needles are pressed against each other and directed upward, forward, collected in bunches from below, in the middle of the shoot the needles are longer, 15 mm long, at the top of the shoot they are shorter, 10 mm. Propagated by seeds and grafting.
“Pygmy”, Dwarf (“Pygmaea”) A dwarf form, very slowly growing, usually no higher than 1 m. The form is spreading, unevenly developed, densely located in the crown. Annual growth is 2 - 6 cm. The buds are dark, orange-brown, and are found in groups at the ends of the shoots. The needles are golden-yellowish-green, short, prickly, and in appearance resemble the needles of oriental spruce.
Obtained from seeds in T. Ohlendorff's nursery near Hamburg in the mid-19th century. The seeds were brought from the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. Propagated by seeds, cuttings (24%). Does not tolerate stagnation of water, salinity and dry soil. Shade-tolerant.
Recommended for single and group plantings. In containers, it can be used to green roofs, balconies, and underground passages.
“Pyramidata”, Pyramidal (“Pyramidata”). Tall tree with normal growth. The crown is narrow-conical. The lower shoots are long, the upper ones are gradually shortened and directed upward. The needles densely cover the shoots, on the upper side of the shoot the needles are pressed against each other and directed upward, forward, collected in bunches from below, in the middle of the shoot the needles are longer, 15 mm long, at the top of the shoot they are shorter, 10 mm. Propagated by seeds and grafting.
Recommended for group, solitary and alley plantings in parks and squares, near administrative buildings.
“Pygmy”, Dwarf (“Pygmaea”) Dwarf form, very slowly growing, usually no higher than 1 m. The crown shape is rounded. The shoots are light yellow, shiny, bare, thick, slightly curved. The annual growth is 1-3 cm. The buds are brown. The needles on strong shoots are radial and distinctly rounded, densely spaced, especially on weak short shoots, 5-8 mm long and 1 mm wide, light green, top and bottom with 2-3 rows of broken lines.
In culture since 1800. One of the oldest known dwarf forms. Propagated by cuttings and grafting.
Recommended for growing in containers, for planting near houses on the lawn, singly or in small groups on rocky areas.
“Procumbent” Dwarf form, fast growing. The crown is wide and flat. The shoots are slightly raised, hard, flat, thick, orange-brown, glabrous, shiny. The annual growth is 5 - 10 cm. The buds are orange-brown, sharp, ovoid, apical 4-5 mm long, the remaining 3-4 mm, not resinous in winter. The group of apical buds consists of 3, sometimes 4. There are many lateral buds and they are smaller in size. The kidney scales are small, the border is fringed, tightly pressed. The needles are semi-radial, densely arranged, very hard to the touch, fresh green, straight, thick, 10-17 mm long (the longest needles among all flat-growing forms). Along the entire length from the base to the apex they gradually decrease, above and below with 3 stomatal lines.
In culture, form is changeable. Its origin is not clear. The description was given by the famous botanist Welch.
“Pumila”, short (“Pumila”). Dwarf form, 1 - 2 m tall. The crown is broadly ovoid. Lower branches
located low, widely spaced, creeping, the upper ones are directed upward. Shoots are yellow-brown, th
thin, thin, flexible. The annual growth is about 3 cm. The buds are light orange, ovoid. The needles are 6-10 mm long and 0.5 mm wide, light green, thick, arranged in rows that overlap each other, the lower needles are longer than the upper. Stomatal lines are found along the entire length of the needles. It was introduced into culture in 1874, but is now rare. Propagated by grafting, cuttings (12%).
Recommended for growing in containers, for rock gardens, single or group plantings on alpine hills, on parterre lawns.
“Pumila Glauca”, Low-growing Gray (“Pumila Glauca”). Dwarf form up to 1 m tall.
Repens, Creeping (“Repent’). Dwarf form, 0.5 m high, crown diameter up to 1.5 m.
Wills Zwerg (“Will’s Zwerg’). Dwarf form. Height 2 m, crown diameter 0.6 - 0.8 m.
Chemical composition
Active ingredients
Application
Energy properties. Spruce gives off energy, but if a person rarely visits spruce forests, then the tree can have a depressing effect on his psyche. Brief contact with spruce helps eliminate overstrain, nervousness, and teaches you to enjoy solitude, using it as a time for self-improvement.
Use in landscape design
Decorative by the shape of the crown, the color of the needles and cones. Decorative durability up to 50-55 years.
It is an important component of park and forest compositions
Single plantings, groups, alleys, arrays, hedges.
Medicinal use
Spruce has an anti-inflammatory and breathing-easing effect. Preparations made from spruce save against scurvy, stimulate the immune system, and help restore tissue after bruises, abrasions, and wounds.
Collection and processing of medicinal raw materials
Application in official and folk medicine
In folk medicine, spruce bark, pine needles and cones are used. Bark and needles are collected in the summer. The cones are collected before the seeds begin to ripen.
Recipes for various diseases
Avitaminosis
In a mortar they grind pine needles with a small amount cold boiled water, add hot boiled water (1:10), acidify with lemon or citric acid, boil for 20-30 minutes, leave for 2-3 hours. Strain and take 1/2 - 1/4 cup a day after meals as a general tonic antiscorbutic remedy.
Bronchitis
Preparation of ointment. Take equal quantities of spruce resin, beeswax and butter melt, grind until homogeneous. Used externally for furunculosis, wounds and abrasions, ulcers and pustules. For persistent, old cough (chronic bronchitis), breathe in smoke from prepared ointment dripped onto hot coals
Dropsy
Boil 30 g of chopped young shoots and cones in 1 liter of milk, strain and drink 3 times a day in equal portions.
Pneumonia
Preparing a decoction of cones. 40 g of crushed cones are poured into 200 ml of water and boiled for 30 minutes. Strain through three layers of gauze and gargle 5-6 times a day or instill 4-5 drops into both nostrils for sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial asthma, chronic pneumonia, for prevention of childhood infections.
Gout
Preparation of spruce baths. Prepare a decoction from the tops of young branches with buds (1:5), boil for 30-40 minutes. The resulting decoction is added to the bath water. Used for gout, rheumatic joint damage.
Wounds, ulcers
Grind dried spruce resin into powder and sprinkle on wounds and ulcers.
Take equal parts of spruce resin, beeswax and sunflower oil. Mix, heat, mix thoroughly, let cool. Lubricate the affected areas of the skin.
Norway spruce is valued as an important forest-forming species. Widely used in reforestation work and for protective plantings along railways, as well as decorative tree for decorating landscapes. This type of spruce is heterogeneous appearance, which is due to the different types of its branching. These types are inherited.
Soft and light spruce wood is used for sawing, and is also a good building material and a valuable raw material for the production of cellulose.
FEATURES OF THE SPECIES
The bark is gray, thin, and in old trees peels off in small scales. The shoots are brown, reddish, bare or sparsely hairy. The buds are pointed, brownish, non-resinous. Seed germination is 60-80%. They remain viable in hermetically sealed glass containers for up to 5 years. They can germinate without pre-sowing preparation, but cold stratification (from 2 to 8 weeks) or soaking in water (18-22 hours) increases their germination. Like all other spruce species, it can be propagated by grafting and cuttings. Annual growth in height is 50 cm, width is 15 cm. Up to 10-15 years it grows slowly, then quickly. Tolerates haircuts well. It is recommended to use for hedges in which trees are spaced every 40 cm.
Area In Northern and Central Europe. On the territory of Russia - from the western borders to the Urals.
Dimensions of an adult plant Tree 30-50 m high, crown diameter 6-8 m, trunk diameter up to 1.8 m.
Decorativeness Not all specimens of this species are decorative. Sometimes the crown shape is uneven
Needle shape The needle-shaped tetrahedral needles are 10-35 mm long and 1-1.5 mm thick, with a sharp tip, shiny, dark green, and stay on the shoots for 6-7 years. In autumn, the color of the needles does not change.
Time and form of flowering In May-June, red oval spikelets and red or green female strobili, collected on one axis, appear on the branches
Cones The cones are cylindrical, 10-16 cm long and 3-4 cm wide, reddish-brown, shiny, with large or elongated seed scales. Immature buds are light green or dark purple. The seeds fall out at the end of next winter. Seed production begins at 25-30 years of age.
Soil requirements Loams, sandy loamy light soils, does not tolerate soil compaction, close groundwater, salinity and dry soil, pH = 4.0-5.5.
Attitude to light Very shade-tolerant, may suffer from sunburn in spring.
Resistance to urban conditions Sensitive to smoke, gases and dust, so it is rarely used in urban plantings.
Frost resistance The species is characterized by increased frost resistance (up to -45°C), but is sensitive to spring frosts.
Shelter for the winter Young plants in the first year of planting.
Lifespan Lives up to 250-300 years.
Recently, dwarf (from 0.3 to 1.5 m) forms of Norway spruce have been in demand: "Gregoriana", "Echiniformis", "Clanbrassiliana" and some others. Characteristics These forms have a dense crown, slow growth, short shoots. Dwarf forms of Norway spruce are especially attractive when landscaping small limited spaces: rocky gardens, alpine slides, etc. All decorative forms must be propagated by grafting.
(Picea obovata) and the northern ecotype of Norway spruce – (Picea fennica) from Norway and Finland, which is more winter-hardy, smaller in size and grows more slowly.
Young shoots and cones of Picea abies
Description of the species. The tree in natural conditions is 30-50 m high, rarely 60 m. It is the tallest native tree in Europe. The diameter of the trunk is 1-1.8 m, the crown is 6-8 m. In the Republic of Belarus, the largest spruce is located in Belovezhskaya Pushcha (300 years old, height 42 m, trunk diameter 1.4 m). The dominant shape of the crown is cone-shaped, with slightly drooping branches, and remains sharp until the end of life. Due to its extensive range, the species is heterogeneous in appearance, mainly in terms of various types branching and some others (for example, different dates for the beginning of the growing season).
Blooming female cone Picea abies
The apical bud is 4-5 mm long, 3-4 mm wide, ovoid-cone-shaped, larger than the others and covered with needles bent over it. Each such bud is surrounded by 2-3 lateral buds, sitting almost in a ring shape, due to which the shoot, and then the branches, are arranged in whorls in the same order. Almost always, single scattered buds develop between the whorls, due to which the branching is not strictly whorled, with lateral intermediate branches, which gives the crown a densely branched appearance. The trunk is smooth and full of wood. The bark is thin, gray-copper in color, scaly, slightly flaking, in old trees it comes off in rounded plates, fissured.
The shoots are drooping or almost horizontal, bare or sparsely pubescent, greenish-reddish or yellowish-brown, thin, matte, taking on a reddish-brown tint by autumn. The buds are dark brown, oval, more or less cone-shaped, slightly pointed or blunt-pointed, non-resinous, surrounded by numerous dry, filmy, yellow-brown scales. The kidney scales are obtuse triangular, light or reddish brown. Under the outer scales, internal, light brown or colorless scales are found; under them there is a shoot embryo with a needle bud. In developed apical buds, the scales are folded downward, forming something like a beautiful rosette at the base of the young shoot.
The needles are slightly curved to crescent-shaped, arranged whorled, indistinctly in two rows. The needles in relation to the shoot are directed forward, somewhat spaced from the shoot, less often erect, tetrahedral in cross-section, length 10-35 mm, width 1.5-1.8 mm with 2-4 stomatal lines on each side. They are dark green, shiny, with inconspicuous stomatal stripes, between which the green edge of the needle clearly protrudes; ending in a conical, awl-shaped, lighter, yellowish tip, slightly tapering towards the base. In a transverse section through a magnifying glass, resin ducts are visible; in the center of the leaf there is a vascular-fibrous bundle. The needles last in favorable conditions for 6-7 (12) years.
Flower buds are larger than leaf buds, up to 8 mm in length, 4 mm in diameter. It blooms in April - May (when the bird cherry blossoms). Male microstrobiles are spherical-oval, purple-red, similar to strawberries, 20-25 mm long, when flowering at the base they are surrounded by light green bracts, several appear on the branches collected on one axis. Female cones are located higher, they are bright red or green, several at the top of the crown, and erect during flowering. At the beginning of summer they are light green, later dark purple.
General view of a mature Picea abies tree with mature cones
When the seeds ripen, they become fusiform-cylindrical, not narrowed at the base and apex, shiny, with large, relatively hard, woody-leathery seed scales elongated at the top, light brown, woody, length 10-20 cm, width 3-4 cm. Seed scales are rhombic, obovate, convex, narrowed at the top, sometimes truncated at the edges, jagged or wavy-notched, sometimes truncated. The covering scales are oblong, much shorter than the seed scales.
The seeds spill out at the end of the next winter, they are oblong-ovate, matte, dark brown, lighter on one side, with an elongated, long tip bent to the side, 4-5 mm long, 2 mm wide, yellow-red, light detachable, shiny wing 3 times longer than the seed (15 mm).
Ecological property of the species. It grows in central and northern Europe (in the mountains of the Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathians), in the north from Scandinavia to the south-forest zone (Belarus) and from the Alps to the Urals in the east. It rises up to 800 m into the mountains, where it is the dominant species. In nature, it forms spruce forests or is mixed with linden, maple, birch, and oak. Thanks to cultivation, it is found everywhere. Lives 300, occasionally 500 years. Up to 10-15 years it grows slowly, then quickly. Annual growth in height is 50 cm, in width - 15 cm.
It has increased frost resistance, is suitable for growing within USD zones 1-8 (frost-resistant down to -45°C), but is sensitive to early spring frosts, especially in depressions and micro-depressions of the relief, in closed clearings, and therefore there is species iberation with late terms of the growing season. Very shade-tolerant, demanding on air and soil humidity, but does not tolerate stagnant moisture, does not grow on high sphagnum bogs, does not tolerate salinity and dry soil. Tolerates excessive flowing moisture.
The best soils are fresh, medium-fertile acidic loams and light, moist sandy loams. Does not tolerate compaction and close groundwater, salinity and dry soil. It is rare in urban plantings, as it is sensitive to gas and dust. The breed is shallow-rooted (the root system is superficial), therefore it is susceptible to wind blows. On loose, humus, freezing soils it forms raw humus. Therefore, in monoculture it leads to soil acidification. Attracts mushrooms.
Reproduction and cultivation. Seed germination is 60-80%. It can be stored in a hermetically sealed container for up to 5 years and germinates without sowing preparation, but cold stratification (2-8 weeks) or soaking in water (18-22 hours) increases germination. Like other spruce species, it is propagated by cuttings. Up to 10-15 years it grows slowly, then the annual growth increases (50 cm in height and 15 cm in width). Seeds from 25-30 years of age.
Purpose and application. The wood is white with a yellowish tint, soft and light. It is used for sawing, is a good building material, a valuable raw material for the production of cellulose, as well as for the manufacture of musical instruments, containers, sleepers, and telegraph poles. Tannins are obtained from the bark. Valuable forest-forming, field-protecting and water-protecting species.
Landscape construction. Norway spruce – this is our native forest-forming species, known to every resident of Europe; it is often used in reforestation and field protection plantings, along railways, and also as a decoration for parks and squares. Gardening culture gave some decorative forms of the crown of Norway spruce (weeping, columnar, spherical) and colors of needles (golden, silver).
Sometimes found in Belarusian parks common spruce (picea oirgata) with long, slightly branched branches. In forest parks it is cultivated in group plantings, groves, massifs, alleys or used in hedges. Wild forms of common spruce growing in forests differ in the nature of branching, the structure of the bark, the color of female spikelets and other characteristics. Of these forms, the most decorative is spruce with a comb type of branching, in which first-order branches hang down with long strands. Beautiful hundred-year-old specimens of these spruce trees have been preserved in Nesvizh Park.
It should be borne in mind that not all specimens are highly decorative; sometimes the shape of the crown is uneven, so it is better to take seeds from selected producers. Currently, Norway spruce is almost never used in urban plantings, as it is believed that this species does not tolerate gas and dust. Meanwhile, with moderate air pollution, spruce grows successfully, maintaining high decorative value. Light brown cones up to 6-12 cm greatly decorate the tree during the fruiting period. It combines well with larches, fir, pine, birch, maple, ash, oleaster and other shrubs.
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Spruce belongs to the genus Picea (resinous plants) of the pine family. It is distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to the south. About 50 species of spruce are known; you can find their photos and descriptions on this page.
In the European part, up to 10 species of spruce grow, and there are a great variety of them. But mainly five types of decorative spruce trees are used in landscaping.
This crop is a monoecious evergreen tree with a cone-shaped crown, gray bark and dense needles. The root system is superficial. The advantage of all decorative forms of fir trees is that they form a crown naturally and do not require pruning.
Common spruce is a tree up to 40 m tall with a trunk up to 1-1.5 m in diameter. The crown is cone-shaped, with distant or drooping branches, rising at the end, and remains sharp until the end of life.
bark common spruce reddish brown 
The bark of the common spruce is gray
The bark of the common form of spruce is reddish-brown or gray, smooth or fissured, of varying degrees and nature of fissuring, and relatively thin.
spruce shoots 
spruce shoots
The shoots are light brown or rusty yellow, glabrous. Buds are 4-5 mm long, 3-4 mm wide, ovoid-cone-shaped, pointed at the apex, light brown; their scales are bluntly triangular, light or reddish brown.
Spruce needles 
Spruce needles
The needles are 8-20 mm long, 1-1.8 mm wide, tetrahedral in shape, have a sharp apex, with 2-4 stomatal lines on each side, dark green, shiny; the needles last 6-7 (up to 10-12) years.
Spruce cones 
Spruce cones
The cones are 10-16 cm long and 3-4 cm thick, oblong-ovate, initially light green or dark purple, brown when mature. The seed scales are obovate, slightly longitudinally folded, convex, notched along the upper edge, sometimes truncated.
Spruce seeds 
Spruce seeds
The seeds are 2-5 mm long, brown or dark brown, with a light brown wing that is about 3 times larger than the seed. The seeds open and disperse in the second half of winter.
Spruce 
Spruce
Lives in nature for 250-300 years. The annual growth is 50 cm in height and 15 cm in width. Up to 10-15 years it grows slowly, then quickly.
Grows wildly in Europe and Asia. Very demanding on soil moisture and composition. Does not tolerate sandy loam. It grows satisfactorily only in low areas. Very sensitive to air pollution.
All varieties of common spruce are not plants for the garden. It is attractive only at a young age, and over the years it loses its decorative effect, stretches out, and thins out. Various forms of common spruce, having bushy, spherical, and weeping crowns, are valuable.
It is better to use decorative forms of this spruce in the garden: below are the names and descriptions of the most popular of them.
Spruce "Echiniformis" in the photo
"Echiniformis" (spinate). Dwarf, slow-growing form, reaching 20 cm in height and 40 cm in width. This variety of common spruce has a cushion-shaped crown, unevenly developed in different directions. The shoots are light brown, glabrous, slightly shiny, hard, and relatively thick. Annual growth is 15-20 mm. The buds are light brown, large, cylindrical, rounded.
As you can see in the photo, this variety of common spruce has yellow-green to gray-green needles, the lower needles are flat with a short sharp tip, the upper ones are star-shaped, located under the terminal cone:
Varieties of common spruce 
Varieties of common spruce
Spruce "Compacta" in the photo
"Compact". Dwarf form, usually about 1.5-2 m tall. Old plants sometimes reach 6 m in height with the same crown width. The shoots are numerous, short, raised and brown in the upper part of the crown. The needles are about 9 mm long, shorter towards the top of the shoot, shiny, green.
"Nidiformis" (nest-shaped). Dwarf form, slightly higher than 1 m, wide, dense. The crown is cushion-shaped, flattened, which is obtained in the form of a nest due to the shoots growing obliquely from the middle of the plant and the absence of main branches. The branches grow evenly, fan-shaped and trumpet-shaped. There are numerous shoots. Annual growth is 3-4 cm. The needles are light green, flat, with 1-2 stomatal lines, which are a distinctive feature, 7-10 mm long. Very effective for low borders, in small groups created on parterres and rock gardens. Currently one of the most common dwarf forms.
Here you can see photos of common spruce varieties, the names of which are given above:
Varieties of Norway spruce 
Varieties of Norway spruce
Canadian spruce in the photo
Canadian spruce– a tree 20-35 m tall, with a trunk 60-120 cm in diameter, with a dense regular cone-shaped dense crown. The branches of young plants are directed upward, while those of old ones are mostly downward and flat.
The bark is smooth or scaly, ash-brown. Young shoots are yellowish or whitish-light brown, glabrous. Buds up to 6 mm long, 4-5 mm wide, almost spherical, non-resinous; their scales are blunt-ovoid, light brown, shiny.
The needles are 8-18 mm long, about 1.5 mm wide, tetrahedral, bluish-green, densely spaced and rather hard, slightly curved, smell quite sharp when rubbed, the needles last up to 11 years.
Look at the photo - this type of decorative spruce has ovoid-cylindrical cones, up to 7 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm thick, light green until ripe, mature - light brown:
Decorative spruce cones 
Decorative spruce cones
The seed scales are thin and elastic, solid along the upper edge.
The seeds are 2-3 mm long, light brown, with an orange-brown wing 3 times the length of the seed. The cones ripen in September.
Winter-hardy and quite drought-resistant. Lives up to 300-500 years.
All varieties of Canadian spruce are recommended for single and group plantings; dwarf forms are promising for rocky hills. It grows successfully in both maritime and continental climates. Quite drought resistant. Not picky about soils, tolerates poor and sandy soils. It resists winds well and is used as a windproof. Less sensitive to gases and smoke than European spruce.
Currently, about 20 decorative forms of this type of spruce have been described; you can find a description of the most popular of them below.
Spruce "Konika" in the photo
The most amazing variety - "Konica". If everyone knows the blue spruce, then the other Christmas tree, which dendrologists briefly call “konica”, i.e. conical, still rare.
"Konica" is a mutation of Canada spruce, native to the east North America. It differs from its ancestor not only in its miniature size, its height rarely exceeds 2 m, but also in its surprisingly dense crown cone and soft light green needles.
By the middle of the last century, the Canadian spruce variety “Konica” conquered the whole world, settling in the gardens of countries with a temperate climate and developed ornamental gardening.
Its real discovery in Russia occurred only relatively recently, along with the rapid development of ornamental gardening, when Konika seedlings began to come to us in large quantities from Holland, Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries Western Europe, where its reproduction has long been established. "Konika" propagates exclusively by cuttings, as it does not bear fruit.
IN middle lane In Russia it is quite winter-hardy. But in urban conditions it is less stable than prickly spruce. With strong gas pollution, the decorativeness of the Christmas tree is reduced.
It grows slowly, which is an advantage in garden design. At five years old, the Christmas tree reaches a height of 20 cm and already at this age its decorative properties are strikingly superior to even-aged seedlings of common spruce. By the age of ten, “Konika” reaches an average height of 80 cm and is completely decorative. And by the age of 20, its height is usually 150 cm, the diameter at the base is about a meter.
“Konica” should be planted in open places, protected from cold winds, with cultivated, light loamy soil. Caring for it may be limited to watering during dry periods.
The development of the Christmas tree, and therefore its decorativeness, is facilitated by periodic surface loosening and mulching of the tree trunk circle with rotted organic matter. Mulching is best done in early autumn, and in spring the mulch should be incorporated shallowly into the soil.
In favorable conditions, "Konika" retains its high decorative value until old age. It does not need pruning or shaping. Like the blue spruce, it is designed to play the role of tapeworm in decorative design and just a godsend for a small garden.
This Christmas tree fits well into large rock gardens, it is desirable in the background of flower arrangements, and harmoniously combines with other low conifers. Looks especially elegant on the lawn. At the same time, it is advisable to plant it in an even row of three or more plants or in a group of several Christmas trees.
Among other decorative forms, “Aurea” is known, characterized by strong growth. The needles on the upper side are golden in color.
Spruce "Aureaspicata" 
Spruce "Aureaspicata"
"Aureaspicata". The form is distinguished by the yellow color of the needles and young shoots, which persists only in summer, but later they turn green.
"Elegance Compacta". The crown is conical, but the growth is stronger than that of "Konika", young shoots and buds are yellow-brown, the needles are fresh green, 8-10 mm long, annual growth is 5-4 cm.
"Nana" (low). Dwarf form up to 1-2 m high. The crown is wide, rounded. The branches are dense, numerous, unevenly spaced, gray, very flexible. Annual growth is 2.5-4.5 cm.
Pay attention to the photo - this variety of Canadian spruce has radial needles, 5-7 mm long, thin, hard, gray-blue:
Canadian spruce needles 
Canadian spruce needles
The culture is winter-hardy. Propagated by cuttings.
"Pendula"- weeping form, has strongly drooping branches, branches abundantly, needles are densely located on the branches, bluish-green.
Among the forms with blue needles worthy of attention:
Spruce "Alberta Blue" 
Spruce "Arenson Blue"
"Alberta Blue", "Arenson Blue",
Spruce "Cerulea" 
Spruce "Sunder Blue"
"Cerulea", "Sunder Blue".
All of them have dwarf growth and retain the color of their needles well in open sunny places: alpine slides, heather gardens. They are suitable for growing in containers.
Speaking about what rare types of spruce there are, it is worth mentioning the Engelmann and Schrenk forms.
Engelman spruce in the photo
Engelman spruce- native to North America. In terms of the slenderness of the crown, this is the most decorative spruce. The tree amazes with its grace and healthy appearance. Even the very lower branches are never bare. It is very resistant to unfavorable conditions cities and to soil and climatic influences. When describing Engelmann spruce, it is definitely worth mentioning its qualities such as winter hardiness, shade tolerance and drought resistance.
It has many decorative forms that are widely used in landscaping.
Spruce "Glauka" in the photo
Most Popular "Glauka" (gray). Tree 20-40 m tall, with a dense cone-shaped crown, without a clear horizontal layering of branches. The needles are less prickly, more flexible and less spaced than those of prickly spruce, bluish-blue; the color is especially clear in early spring.
As you can see in the photo, the Engelmann spruce needles in winter are not so attractive, but still decorative:
Engelman spruce 
Engelman spruce
Grows quickly. Winter-hardy. Propagated by seeds, cuttings, grafting. Recommended for single, group and alley plantings in large gardens.
Schrenk's spruce, or Tien Shan, is a powerful tree with a narrow cone-shaped crown, a sharp top and branches hanging to the ground. The needles are light green or bluish. Light-loving, not demanding on soils, but moisture-loving and low frost-resistant.
Look at the photo - this type of spruce has high decorative qualities, which makes it desirable in garden compositions, and its slow growth in the first years of its life allows it to be formed into dense hedges:
Spruce in the form of a hedge 
Spruce in the form of a hedge
It has a spherical shape - a tree up to 1.8 m tall with a rounded crown.
Prickly spruce in the photo
Prickly spruce. Among the numerous representatives of the genus, it stands out for its slenderness and beauty, undemandingness to growing conditions, frost resistance and resistance to air pollution, surpassing many of its brethren in this indicator.
Decorative at any time of the year. The most valuable evergreen tree up to 25 m, lives up to 100 years.
The crown is pyramidal. The branches form regular dense tiers, horizontal or hanging at different angles. Particularly beautiful are specimens in which the branches are evenly spaced in regular tiers around the trunk from the very ground to the top.
The needles are prickly, their color varies from green to light blue, silver, up to 2.5 cm long. good conditions growing needles live 5-7 years, more often 3-4 years.
The breed is considered resistant to dust and smoke, but in urban conditions it must be washed with water at least 5 times a month. Photophilous. Demanding on soil fertility and moisture, but does not tolerate too much fertile soil and waterlogging.
Tolerates pruning well. Propagated by seeds and grafting.
It is recommended to plant some distance from roads and industrial enterprises, against the backdrop of a lawn, preferably in illuminated areas. Usually single specimens or small groups are planted in the front places of the garden. It is especially good in combination with Serbian spruce, pseudo-hemlock, plain fir, etc.
Popular forms of prickly spruce are described below:
Spruce "Argentea" 
Spruce "Argentea"
"Argentea" (silver). A straight-trunked tree 30-40 m tall with a cone-shaped crown and clearly spaced horizontal branches. The needles are silvery-white, a light waxy coating remains on old plants, young needles have a soft green color with a whitish tint. Widely used in landscaping, in single and group plantings;
Spruce "Glauka" 
Spruce "Glauka"
"Glauka" (gray). It differs from the main species in its bluish-green needles, which retain their color throughout the year. The lifespan of needles of this variety of prickly spruce is 3-10 years, depending on conditions. Plant height is 20 m. Annual growth is more than 30 cm. The crown is symmetrical, cone-shaped. The shoots reach the ground and are arranged in tiers almost horizontally. Branches do not break under the weight of wet snow. Suitable for creating large arrays, small clumps, for single plantings;
Spruce "Glauka Globoza" in the photo
"Glauca Globosa" (blue spherical). Dwarf form up to 1 m tall and up to 1.5 m in diameter. Young shoots are yellowish-brownish and thin. The crown is rounded, dense only in old age.
Pay attention to the photo - this variety of prickly spruce has thick, slightly crescent-shaped, blue-white needles, about 1 cm long and 1 mm thick:
Prickly needles 
Prickly needles
"Hoopsie." The height of the tree is 12-15 m, the diameter of the crown is 3-4.5 m. The crown is evenly branched, very dense. The annual growth is 12-20 cm, the branches are horizontally spaced from the trunk. The shoots are light red-brown, the apical buds are ovoid, 1 cm long. Scales are short, bent. The needles are needle-shaped, hard, sharp, bluish-white, 2-3 cm long, directed forward, thick, last 4-6 years.
"Bonfire". Tree 10-15 m tall, with drooping weeping branches. The crown diameter is 4-5 m. The needles are slightly crescent-shaped, bluish-green with a light waxy coating, thin, crescent-shaped, short, 20-25 mm long. The silver-blue color of the needles remains in winter. Young shoots are orange-brown. The trunks are bent. One of the most famous blue forms of prickly spruce. The crown is evenly developed, conical. Recommended for solitary and group plantings near houses, for decorating ceremonial places.
"Moerhaimi." Strongly and unevenly growing, narrow-conical shape. The needles are 20-30 mm long, adjacent. In the second year it becomes an intense silvery blue.
As you can see in the photo, the color of the needles of this variety of prickly spruce does not change in winter:
Spruce in winter 
Spruce in winter
The branches are short and horizontal. The apical bud is 10-15 mm long, blunt, yellow-brown. The lateral buds are very different and are located spirally below the apical bud. The scales at the apex are strongly deflected.
"Moll". Dwarf form, grows slowly. At 20 years of age, the height is about 1 m. The annual growth is 3-5 cm, the crown is broadly conical and very densely branched. The shoots are yellow-brown. The needles are beautiful, bluish-white, 10-15 mm long and 1 mm thick.
"Montgomery." Dwarf form, slow-growing, very squat, at 35 years of age the height and diameter of the crown is 1.8 m, annual growth is about 6 cm, shoots are yellow-brown, buds are ovoid, yellow-brown, scales are bent. The needles are 18-20 mm long, gray-blue, sharp.
"Oldenburg". Tree 10-15 (20) m high, with a crown diameter of 5-7 m. The crown is conical. The bark is brownish-gray, flaky, the shoots are orange-brown.
The photo shows that this variety of prickly spruce has needle-shaped, dense, hard, prickly, steel-blue needles:
Prickly spruce 
Prickly spruce
It stays very firmly on the branches. Grows quickly. Annual growth is 30-35 cm in height, 15 cm in width. Photophilous. It is undemanding to soils, but grows better on chernozems and loams and tolerates temporary excess moisture. Frost-resistant, tolerates frost well. Application: single plantings, groups.
In this section of the article you can see photos and descriptions of the blue spruce species from the Pine family.
Blue spruce in the photo
The blue spruce tree is an evergreen conifer tree, 25-30 m high, rarely up to 46 meters. The trunk diameter is up to 1.5 meters. The bark is thin and scaly. The crown is narrow-conical in young trees, and becomes cylindrical in old ones. The needles are 15-30 mm long, rhombic in cross-section. The needles of blue spruce deserve a special description - the color of the needles of this plant species ranges from grayish-green to bright blue.
The crown is conical, compact, the needles are tetrahedral, dense, very prickly. The bark of the trunks and branches is grayish-brown, initially smooth, later fissured.
On the picture
Decorative blue spruce cones are slightly cylindrical, 6-11 cm long and 2 cm wide when closed, up to 4 cm when open. The color of the cones is from reddish to purple, the mature cone is light brown. The seeds are black, 3-4 mm long with a light brown wing 10-13 mm long.
Look at the photo - blue spruce has cylindrical cones, up to 9 cm long, light brown, ripen in the first year:
Decorative blue spruce cones 
Decorative blue spruce cones
Blue spruce is one of the hardiest spruce trees in all respects. It is inferior to common spruce only in shade tolerance. But it is extremely resistant to atmospheric pollution, frost-resistant, drought-resistant, and very unpretentious to soil conditions.
However best development and more decorative effect Blue spruce reaches its species on fertile structural loams, in full light.
This tree has a pronounced root core, which makes it drought-resistant. And yet, in the first 6-8 years, seedlings should be watered 2-3 times during the summer, and in case of drought, be sure to water them at least once a week. This will allow the trees to grow stronger. The greatest increases in height in blue spruce plants are observed after 8-10 years. And by 20-25 years the trees are already fully formed. The first cones can sometimes be seen on 15-year-old trees.
Until the age of 8-10 years, it is better to keep the tree trunk under black fallow, mulching with humus. In the future, the land should not be cultivated, and care consists only of periodic mulching and watering during prolonged drought.
Blue spruce 
Blue spruce
As can be seen from the photo and description of the blue spruce, this beauty will decorate your garden for many years. She is an excellent tapeworm who does not need anyone's company. Looks good alone or in a group on a flat lawn. When creating groups, spruce trees should not be planted closer than 3 m from each other, so that there is no shading and the trees have low, dense crowns.
These photos show blue spruce varieties that are most popular among gardeners:
Blue spruce 
Blue spruce
Healing properties of spruce
Spruce is not only an ornamental, but also a useful plant in the garden and on personal plots.
The healing properties of spruce are well known. Moreover, the common spruce is recognized as the leader in this regard among all species. The needles, young shoots and young cones are medicinal. They are rich in essential and tannin substances, resins, vitamins, microelements, phytoncides and fatty oils.
Various inflammatory diseases of the respiratory and urinary tract, as well as sinusitis and other diseases in the nasopharynx area are treated with spruce preparations and decoctions. Baths made from spruce branches and buds are used for skin diseases, gout, arthritis and arthrosis.
Brewing from fresh spruce buds can be consumed as a vitamin tea, which is contraindicated for stomach ulcers. The simplest infusion is prepared by roughly grinding 40 g of pine needles, pouring a glass of boiling water over it, boiling for 20 minutes, then infusing. The resulting infusion is drunk during the day if there is a lack of vitamin C.
Spruce needles contain significant quantities of phosphorus, potassium, iron, and vitamins. It is especially rich in ascorbic acid and carotene, which makes pine needles an excellent raw material for the production of special preventive pastes for scurvy and periodontal disease, pine extracts for baths and medicinal chlorophyll-carotene preparations.
Camphor is obtained from the essential oil of spruce, which is indispensable for heart ailments. Inhalations of essential oil of pine needles cure catarrhal conditions of the throat and bronchi.
The ecological significance of spruce is also important. Air pollution, especially urban air pollution, currently exceeds all existing standards. The needles take on a filtering role in the gas exchange of atmospheric air. Dust particles along with harmful microorganisms settle and become fixed in the waxy coating of pine needles.
Air saturated with secretions coniferous species, has a beneficial effect on the body, improving breathing and blood circulation, and even treats a sick human psyche.
Phytoncides released by pine needles help clean the air even in polluted places. At the same time, the spruce itself feels good. It has straight trunks, dense foliage, and low-hanging crowns.
