What Is the Growing Range of the Norway Spruce?

Identification

• The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a needled evergreen generally growing 40 to 60 feet in height and 25 to 30 feet around. It matures relatively quickly, can reach heights of 100 feet and widths of 40, and can grow to 75 feet in as little as 50 years. Its penchant for moisture means it often is found near streams or lakes. Its pyramidal shape and slightly drooping branches make it an appealing specimen tree.

Culture

• Although, once established, the Norway spruce is moderately drought tolerant, this tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and a consistent water source. Nevertheless, it does not like to be wet, though it will tolerate it for short periods. It also can tolerate a range of soils, however, from sandy to clay and acidic to slightly alkaline. It prefers cool planting sites, but grows in full sun, so if possible plant where it can catch the wind.

Hardiness

• The Norway spruce is a cold-climate tree. Generally recommended for U.S. Department of Agiculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7a, it is a European native that does not tend to thrive in warmer conditions. However, it can be grown in USDA zone 8, though it is not well adapted and may not do well. Meeting its other requirements, such as full sun and moist soil, will increase its chances of survival.

Garden Uses

• The Norway spruce often is planted as a specimen tree due to its perfect Christmas tree shape and its drooping, upward-arcing branches. It makes a good windbreak planted either by itself or in rows, and also makes a good screen. Dwarf cultivars are suitable for rock garden plantings. Dwarf cultivars include "Little Gem" and "Pendula," their heights varying, and both are quite tolerant of drought once established.