Red Spruce

(Picea rubens)

Red Spruce (Picea rubens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Picea rubens, commonly known as Red Spruce, is an evergreen tree native to the cool, moist, acidic soils of coniferous and mixed forests in the higher elevations and latitudes of Northeastern North America. It is a perennial, shade-tolerant, late successional species that can reach 18–40 m (59–131 ft) in height with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm (24 in). The tree has a narrow conical crown and a straight trunk with thin, flaky bark. The needles are yellow-green to dark green and the tree produces light brown cones. Red Spruce grows at a slow to moderate rate and can live for 250 to 450+ years. It is very shade-tolerant in its youth, which allows it to compete in dense forest understories.

Red Spruce is valued for its wood and as an ornamental tree. It is often used in reforestation projects and as a windbreak due to its tolerance of cold climates. The tree is also appreciated for its role in traditional music, as its wood is used to make sounding boards for instruments. In cultivation, it adapts to a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained acidic soils. 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: 60-70 feet
  • Width: 10-18 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • 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

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, 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, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Cool, moist, acidic soils of coniferous and mixed forests in higher elevations and latitudes of Northeastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Eastern Spruce, Yellow Spruce, West Virginia Spruce, He-Basalm, Rotfichte, Amerikanische Rotfichte, Pícea Roja, Épinette Rouge, Épicéa Rouge, Prusqueur Rouge

Scientific Names: , Picea rubens, Picea rubra, Picea australis, Picea nigra var. rubra, Picea americana, Picea mariana var. rubra, Picea rubens f. rubens, Picea rubens f. virgata, Picea rubra f. virgata

GBIF Accepted Name: Picea rubens Sarg.