Picea obovata, commonly known as Siberian spruce, is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to the cold taiga of Siberia. It thrives in subalpine zones and river basins, extending from the Ural Mountains east to Magadan Oblast and south to the Altay Mountains in northwestern Mongolia. This species is adapted to cold climates and well-drained, acidic soils, often forming pure stands or mixed forests with other conifers. Siberian spruce can reach heights of 49-115 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 5 feet. Its shoots are orange-brown, and the needle-like leaves are 0-1 inch long, presenting a shiny green to grayish-green hue. The cones are cylindric-conic, 2-4 inches long, and mature to a glossy brown.

The Siberian spruce is valued for its hardiness and adaptability to cold environments, making it a suitable choice for northern landscapes. It is often used as an ornamental tree in large gardens and parks, where its symmetrical form and dense foliage can be appreciated. In cultivation, it requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. While it is an important timber tree in its native range, it is less commonly used for this purpose outside of Russia. The Siberian spruce is also known for its role in traditional beverages; its leaves are used to make spruce beer, a drink with historical significance. Gardeners should be aware that this tree can be susceptible to pests such as spruce bark beetles and spruce budworms, which can cause significant damage if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0