Spruces (Picea) are large coniferous evergreen trees found in the Northern Hemisphere but in areas with temperate climates. It bears a conical shape, and both male and female trees produce cones. However, female cones are larger. The fairly smooth branches are whorled and the linear, spirally arranged needlelike leaves are four-sided and singly attached to the branches. The bark is thin and scaly while the scaled cones are cylindrical or egg-shaped. Timber from this tree is highly valued in the paper industry or in making boats and barrels while the cones are used to make spruce tea.

How fast do spruce trees grow?

Spruce trees typically grow at a moderate rate, with an average growth rate of 13 to 24 inches (33-61 cm) per year. However, the rate of growth can vary depending on factors such as the species of spruce, the tree's environment, and the tree's age. In general, spruce trees tend to grow faster when they are younger, and their growth rate slows as they age.

What is the difference between spruce trees and pine trees?

One of the main differences between spruces and pines the shape of the needles. Spruce tree needles are typically four-sided and have a sharp, pointed tip, while pine tree needles are usually longer and more flexible, with a rounded tip. In addition, spruce tree cones are typically smaller and more cylindrical than pine tree cones. The scales on the cones of spruce trees are also more rigid, while the scales on pine tree cones are more flexible.

What are spruce trees typically used for?

One of the most common uses of spruce trees is as a source of wood. Spruce wood is light, strong, and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for construction, furniture-making, and other woodworking projects. In addition, spruce trees are used for their medicinal properties in some traditional and herbal remedies. The essential oils extracted from spruce trees have been used to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory issues, muscle pain, and stress.

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Spruces Guides
Browse through our curated Spruces Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Spruces. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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33’-66’ | 10-20 m
15’-25' | 4.6-7.6 m (Spread)
10”-18” | 25-46 cm (Trunk)
.24”-.59” | 6-15 mm (Needle)
Black Spruce
2000.000
760.000
46.000
1.500
12200
GUIDE
3D
Black Spruce
30’-60’ | 9.1-18.3 m
10’-20' | 3-6.1 m (Spread)
18”-32” | 46-81 cm (Trunk)
.75”-1.25” | 19-32 mm (Needle)
Blue Spruce
1830.000
610.000
81.000
3.200
38900
GUIDE
3D
Blue Spruce
82’-131’ | 25-40 m
10’-20' | 3-6.1 m (Spread)
30”-59” | 75-150 cm (Trunk)
.59”-1.18” | 15-30 mm (Needle)
Engelmann Spruce
4000.000
610.000
150.000
3.000
5000
GUIDE
3D
Engelmann Spruce
40’-50’ | 12.2-15.2 m
15’-30’ | 4.6-9.1 m (Spread)
24”-32” | 61-81 cm (Trunk)
.51”-.98” | 13-25 mm (Needle)
Meyer Spruce
1520.000
910.000
81.000
2.500
1350
GUIDE
3D
Meyer Spruce
30’-70’ | 9.1-21.3 m
20’-35' | 3-10.7 m (Spread)
3.3’-6.6’ | 1-2 m (Trunk)
1.18”-1.97” | 30-50 mm (Needle)
Morinda Spruce
2130.000
1070.000
200.000
5.000
720
GUIDE
3D
Morinda Spruce
100’-150’ | 30-46 m
25’-45’ | 7.6-13.7 m (Spread)
3.3’-4.9’ | 1-1.5 m (Trunk)
.47”-.94” | 12-24 mm (Needle)
Norway Spruce
4600.000
1370.000
150.000
2.400
58090
GUIDE
3D
Norway Spruce
25’-50’ | 7.6-15.2 m
15’-25' | 4.6-7.6 m (Spread)
3.3’-4.9’ | 1-1.5 m (Trunk)
.24”-.51” | 6-13 mm (Needle)
Oriental Spruce
1520.000
760.000
150.000
1.300
4050
GUIDE
3D
Oriental Spruce
60’-75’ | 18.3-22.9 m
30’-40’ | 9.1-12.2 m (Spread)
12”-24” | 30-61 cm (Trunk)
.47”-.59” | 12-15 mm (Needle)
Red Spruce
2290.000
1220.000
61.000
1.500
3900
GUIDE
3D
Red Spruce
50’-60’ | 15.2-18.3 m
15’-25' | 4.6-7.6 m (Spread)
30”-40” | .76-1 m (Trunk)
.39”-.79” | 10-20 mm (Needle)
Serbian Spruce
1830.000
760.000
100.000
2.000
13000
GUIDE
3D
Serbian Spruce
80’-160’ | 24.4-48.8 m
20’-40’ | 6.1-12.2 m (Spread)
8’-12’ | 2.4-3.7 m (Trunk); 16’-22’ | 4.9-6.7 m (Trunk Max)
.63”-.98” | 16-25 mm (Needle)
Sitka Spruce
4880.000
910.000
370.000
2.500
13800
GUIDE
3D
Sitka Spruce
30’-66’ | 9.1-20 m
13’-20’ | 4-6.1 m (Spread)
24”-36” | 61-91 cm (Trunk)
.59”-1.18” | 15-30 mm (Needle)
Weeping Spruce
2000.000
610.000
91.000
3.000
3600
GUIDE
3D
Weeping Spruce
40’-60’ | 12.2-18.3 m
10’-20' | 3-6.1 m (Spread)
24”-39” | 61-100 cm (Trunk)
.47”-.79” | 12-20 mm (Needle)
White Spruce
1830.000
610.000
100.000
2.000
35000
GUIDE
3D
White Spruce
Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis)
Comparison drawing of the Oriental Spruce compared to similar Spruce species and a person

The attractive shiny, dark green, short needles of the Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis) make it an extremely attractive ornamental tree. It has a columnar growth habit and bright red male cones. This evergreen conifer tree has a conic crown and smooth pink-gray bark. It is native to the Caucasus. The shoots are hairy and orange-brown when young and turn gray-brown with age while foliar buds are ovoid-conical, and leaves have blunt tips. It produces bright deep red pollen cones and dark purple seed cones. The oriental spruce grows well in soils with adequate moisture, such as shaded slopes or deep protected ravines.

Oriental Spruces have a typical overall height between 25’-50’ (7.6-15.2 m) and spread diameter of 15’-25' (4.6-7.6 m). Exceptional mature Oriental Spruce trees may grow to a height of 125’ (38 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Oriental Spruce has a diameter of 3.3’-4.9’ (1-1.5 m) with needle-like leaf lengths between .24”-.51” (6-13 mm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Oriental Spruce in front and top views with dimensions
The attractive shiny, dark green, short needles of the Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis) make it an extremely attractive ornamental tree. It has a columnar growth habit and bright red male cones. This evergreen conifer tree has a conic crown and smooth pink-gray bark. It is native to the Caucasus.

Oriental Spruces have a typical overall height between 25’-50’ (7.6-15.2 m) and spread diameter of 15’-25' (4.6-7.6 m). Exceptional mature Oriental Spruce trees may grow to a height of 125’ (38 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Oriental Spruce has a diameter of 3.3’-4.9’ (1-1.5 m) with needle-like leaf lengths between .24”-.51” (6-13 mm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Oriental Spruce in front and top views with dimensions
Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis)
Height:
25’-50’ | 7.6-15.2 m
Width:
15’-25' | 4.6-7.6 m (Spread)
Length:
.24”-.51” | 6-13 mm (Needle)
Depth:
3.3’-4.9’ | 1-1.5 m (Trunk)
Height (Exceptional)
125’ | 38 m (Max)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Picea orientalis

Drawings include:

Oriental Spruce front elevation, plan view

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White Spruce (Picea glauca)
Size comparison drawing of the White Spruce compared to a person and other Spruce species

One thing we know about the White Spruce (Picea glauca) is that it is extremely tolerant of cold conditions. It is found in North America in boreal forests. Other people call it the Alberta white spruce, Black Hills spruce, cat spruce, Canadian spruce, western white spruce, and even Porslid spruce. This large evergreen conifer tree has a thin, scaly bark and a narrow crown. The glabrous shoots are pale buff-brown and the needle-like leaves are glaucous blue-green above. It produces greenish or reddish pendulous, cylindrical cones with thin, flexible scales while the seeds are black. The white spruce is slow-growing but long-lived.

White Spruces have a typical overall height between 40’-60’ (12.2-18.3 m) and spread diameter of 10’-20' (3-6.1 m). Exceptional mature White Spruce trees may grow to a height of 140’ (43 m) in the wild. The trunk of the White Spruce has a diameter of 24”-39” (61-100 cm) with needle-like leaf lengths between .47”-.79” (12-20 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the White Spruce viewed from the front and top
One thing we know about the White Spruce (Picea glauca) is that it is extremely tolerant of cold conditions. It is found in North America in boreal forests. Other people call it the Alberta white spruce, Black Hills spruce, cat spruce, Canadian spruce, western white spruce, and even Porslid spruce.

White Spruces have a typical overall height between 40’-60’ (12.2-18.3 m) and spread diameter of 10’-20' (3-6.1 m). Exceptional mature White Spruce trees may grow to a height of 140’ (43 m) in the wild. The trunk of the White Spruce has a diameter of 24”-39” (61-100 cm) with needle-like leaf lengths between .47”-.79” (12-20 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the White Spruce viewed from the front and top
White Spruce (Picea glauca)
Height:
40’-60’ | 12.2-18.3 m
Width:
10’-20' | 3-6.1 m (Spread)
Length:
.47”-.79” | 12-20 mm (Needle)
Depth:
24”-39” | 61-100 cm (Trunk)
Height (Exceptional)
140’ | 43 m (Max)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Picea glauca

Drawings include:

White Spruce front elevation, plan view

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Meyer Spruce (Picea meyeri)
Comparison drawing of the Meyer Spruce compared to similar Spruce species and a person

The Meyer Spruce (Picea meyeri) is valued as an ornamental tree for landscaping because of its gorgeous pyramidal growth habit. Its wood is also valued for construction and making paper. It is found in China, especially in Nei Mongol, Hebei, Shanxi, and Shaanxi. This is in the high mountain and subalpine regions. This medium-sized evergreen conifer tree produces yellow-brown, glabrous shoots, bluish-green needle-like leaves, and cylindrical cones that turn pale brown on maturity with stiff, smooth, rounded scales. The bark is grey-brown. It is tolerant to dry and moist conditions but not direct sunlight or standing water.

Meyer Spruces have a typical overall height between 40’-50’ (12.2-15.2 m) and spread diameter of 15’-30’ (4.6-9.1 m). Exceptional mature Meyer Spruce trees may grow to a height of 100’ (30 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Meyer Spruce has a diameter of 24”-32” (61-81 cm) with needle-like leaf lengths between .51”-.98” (13-25 mm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Meyer Spruce in front and top views with dimensions
The Meyer Spruce (Picea meyeri) is valued as an ornamental tree for landscaping because of its gorgeous pyramidal growth habit. Its wood is also valued for construction and making paper. It is found in China, especially in Nei Mongol, Hebei, Shanxi, and Shaanxi.

Meyer Spruces have a typical overall height between 40’-50’ (12.2-15.2 m) and spread diameter of 15’-30’ (4.6-9.1 m). Exceptional mature Meyer Spruce trees may grow to a height of 100’ (30 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Meyer Spruce has a diameter of 24”-32” (61-81 cm) with needle-like leaf lengths between .51”-.98” (13-25 mm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Meyer Spruce in front and top views with dimensions
Meyer Spruce (Picea meyeri)
Height:
40’-50’ | 12.2-15.2 m
Width:
15’-30’ | 4.6-9.1 m (Spread)
Length:
.51”-.98” | 13-25 mm (Needle)
Depth:
24”-32” | 61-81 cm (Trunk)
Height (Exceptional)
100’ | 30 m (Max)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Picea meyeri

Drawings include:

Meyer Spruce front elevation, plan view

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Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii)
Size comparison drawing of the Engelmann Spruce compared to a person and other Spruce species

The high elevations, especially in mountain regions and water canyons in western North America is the correct place to find the Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii). Other people call it white spruce, mountain spruce, or silver spruce. Wood from this tree is useful for making paper, construction materials, and musical instruments like pianos. This evergreen coniferous tree can be large or medium-size, with a thin, scaly reddish bark, buff-brown or orange-brown shoots, and blue-green needle-like leaves. Older trees have cylindrical crowns and young trees have narrow conic crowns. It produces pendulous, slender, cylindrical seed cones holding black seeds.

Engelmann Spruces have a typical overall height between 82’-131’ (25-40 m) and spread diameter of 10’-20' (3-6.1 m). Exceptional mature Engelmann Spruce trees may grow to a height of 130’ (40 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Engelmann Spruce has a diameter of 30”-59” (75-150 cm) with needle-like leaf lengths between .59”-1.18” (15-30 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Engelmann Spruce viewed from the front and top
The high elevations, especially in mountain regions and water canyons in western North America is the correct place to find the Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii). Other people call it white spruce, mountain spruce, or silver spruce. Wood from this tree is useful for construction.

Engelmann Spruces have a typical overall height between 82’-131’ (25-40 m) and spread diameter of 10’-20' (3-6.1 m). Exceptional mature Engelmann Spruce trees may grow to a height of 130’ (40 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Engelmann Spruce has a diameter of 30”-59” (75-150 cm) with needle-like leaf lengths between .59”-1.18” (15-30 mm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Engelmann Spruce viewed from the front and top
Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii)
Height:
82’-131’ | 25-40 m
Width:
10’-20' | 3-6.1 m (Spread)
Length:
.59”-1.18” | 15-30 mm (Needle)
Depth:
30”-59” | 75-150 cm (Trunk)
Height (Exceptional)
130’ | 40 m (Max)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Picea engelmannii

Drawings include:

Engelmann Spruce front elevation, plan view

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Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Scale illustration of an average Blue Spruce compared to other species of Spruces and a human

The Blue Spruce (Picea pungens), also known as the Green Spruce, is an evergreen conifer tree that is part of the Pinaceae family. The Blue Spruce is native to North America mainly in the regions of northern New Mexico and into British Columbia in Canada. The Blue Spruce has blue-green colored foliage that grows in a conical profile. It has dense branches that grow horizontally with waxy gray-green leaves that are arranged radially. It also produces cones for cross-pollination with the male cones covering the entire tree white the female cones are at the top. The Blue Spruce is not in danger of extinction.

Blue Spruces have a typical overall height between 30’-60’ (9.1-18.3 m) and spread diameter of 10’-20' (3-6.1 m). Exceptional mature Blue Spruce trees may grow to a height of 125’ (38 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Blue Spruce has a diameter of 18”-32” (46-81 cm) with needle-like leaf lengths between .75”-1.25” (19-32 mm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Blue Spruce seen from the top and elevation views
The Blue Spruce (Picea pungens), also known as the Green Spruce, is an evergreen conifer tree that is part of the Pinaceae family. The Blue Spruce is native to North America mainly in the regions of northern New Mexico and into British Columbia in Canada. The Blue Spruce has blue-green foliage.

Blue Spruces have a typical overall height between 30’-60’ (9.1-18.3 m) and spread diameter of 10’-20' (3-6.1 m). Exceptional mature Blue Spruce trees may grow to a height of 125’ (38 m) in the wild. The trunk of the Blue Spruce has a diameter of 18”-32” (46-81 cm) with needle-like leaf lengths between .75”-1.25” (19-32 mm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Blue Spruce seen from the top and elevation views
Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Height:
30’-60’ | 9.1-18.3 m
Width:
10’-20' | 3-6.1 m (Spread)
Length:
.75”-1.25” | 19-32 mm (Needle)
Depth:
18”-32” | 46-81 cm (Trunk)
Height (Exceptional)
125’ | 38 m (Max)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Picea pungens

Drawings include:

Blue Spruce front elevation, plan view

Details & Downloads

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