Picea mariana (Black Spruce)


Michael's Opinion

Picea mariana can thrive in many conditions, whether it being weather, site or even the soil it is growing in. This tree can grow to 18 m tall with a canopy spread of about 30 m.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPicea
Speciesmariana
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
It is used mainly in the pulp and paper industry and was formerly used to make spruce beer. The beer was made by boiling the new shoots with water, a little molasses and maple syrup.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone2-6
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2-5
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-62 to 27
Temperature (°F)-30 to 80
Height5 - 18 m
Spread15 - 30 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionOne of the most widespread and abundant species in North America. There have been many cultivars of the black spruce but there is one that stands out the most, Picea mariana ‘Nana’, which won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
ID CharacteristicThe compact narrow crown and the drooping branches give the tree a distinctive appearance. The twigs are covered with rust coloured hairs and when the cones are dry they can be crushed with just the fingertips.
ShapeSharply pyramidal.
LandscapePicea mariana thrives in a moist acidic environment. It is often found in sphagnum bogs. In the north, it grows in well-drained valleys and on rocky slopes. The southernmost location of this species is Sifton Bog, London, Ontario, Canada.
Cultivation
PestsBudworm, weevil and the dwarf mistletoe.
Notable SpecimensSifton Bog, Oxford Street, London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatNorthern bogs of the boreal zone.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is broken into thin, flaky greyish brown scales.
Leaf DescriptionFour sided, dull bluish green needles on twigs that are covered with rust-coloured hairs.
Fruit DescriptionThe cones are 2- 3 cm long, spherical when open and stay on the tree for 20 - 30 years.

Photographs