Black Spruce

(Picea mariana)

Black Spruce (Picea mariana)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Picea mariana image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Picea mariana, commonly known as Black Spruce, is an evergreen tree primarily native to the taiga and boreal forests of Northern North America, including both the Northern USA and Canada. It is adapted to a range of wetland habitats, including bogs, swamps, and riverbanks, where it often forms extensive stands. Black Spruce typically grows to a height of 65 feet with a slender width of 2-3 feet. It is characterized by a straight trunk with little taper, a somewhat scruffy habit, and a narrow, pointed crown. The branches are short, compact, and drooping with upturned tips. The bark is thin, scaly, and grayish-brown, while the needles are 6–15 mm long, stiff, four-sided, and dark bluish-green above with a paler glaucous green hue below. The cones are notably small for spruce species.

Black Spruce is valued for its resilience in cold climates and its ability to thrive in poorly drained soils, making it a suitable choice for reforestation and boreal landscaping. It is also used for Christmas trees and as a privacy screen due to its dense growth. The cultivar P. mariana ’Nana’ is a dwarf form that has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. For cultivation, Black Spruce requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil drainage conditions, from wet bogs to drier upland sites. It is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to pests such as spruce budworm and diseases like needle cast.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 20-50 feet
  • Width: 10-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Taiga and boreal forests, including wetland habitats such as bogs, swamps, and riverbanks

Other Names

Common Names: Bog Spruce , Swamp Spruce , Shortleaf Black Spruce , Schwarzfichte , Pícea Negra , Épicéa Marial , Épicéa Noir , Épinette Noire , Épinette À Bière , Fekete Luc

Scientific Names: Picea mariana , Picea nigra , Pinus mariana , Picea mariana var. mariana , Picea mariana var. semiprostrata , Abies mariana , Picea mariana f. doumetii , Picea mariana f. semiprostrata , Abies denticulata , Picea brevifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton et al.