SPRUCE *
PICEA
- Ornamental trees grown for their evergreen
foliage and regular pyramidal habit. Many species are valuable
timber trees.
- Spruces are evergreens, are usually tall trees, sometimes
dwarfed in horticultural varieties with spreading whorled branches.
Almost all are hardy North, but they do not resist heat and drought
well. Some recently introduced Chinese species grow better in
drier climates than most others.
- 38 species in the colder and temperate climates of the northern
hemisphere from the arctic circle to the high mountains of the
temperate regions.
- For ornamental park planting the spruces belong to the most
valuable evergreens on account of the symmetrical habit and rapid
growth of most species. Spruces are often planted as shelters
and windbreaks.
- Various species of spruces grow from 80 to 150 ft.