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Jesse Randall
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Last Updated:
June 14, 2012
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White Spruce
(Picea glauca)
Not native to Iowa, the white spruce occurs quite widely over the northern portion of the Lake States, northern New England and much of Canada. It has been planted quite extensively in Iowa for ornamental and windbreak use. It does best in the eastern part of the state.
Hardiness: zones 2 through 6 Growth Rate: medium growth Mature Shape: columnar, pyramidal shape Height: 40 - 60 feet Width: 10 to 20 feet Site Requirements: full sun Flowering Dates: May Seed Dispersal Dates: September Seed Bearing Age: 30 years Seed Bearing Frequency: every 2 to 6 years Seed Stratification: |
The needles are single, four-sided and crowded along the branches. They
are 1/2 to 3/4 inches long; sharply pointed; and dark bluish green when mature.
The cone is 1 to 2 inches long, cylindrical, thin and flexible when
mature. The cone scales are rounded and soft at the ends.
The white spruce grows to about 60 feet tall. It is densely foliated and has a straight trunk. The bark is dark gray or gray-brown in color. Its foliage and twigs are eaten by white-tailed deer. The tree provides cover for many species of wildlife.
Click on a thumbnail image below to view a larger picture. |
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