Description

Red Spruce (Picea rubens) is an extremely important tree in the northeastern forests of North America. It has immense wildlife value, as it provides food and shelter to many species of birds and mammals. Grouse and squirrels feed on its buds and seeds, hare feed on its twigs and foliage, deer use it as cover. They can be found growing anywhere from the western Carolinas up through Canada, and typically reach heights of 60 to 80 feet at maturity. This beautiful tree has historically been used for many purposes – its pitch was used for patching holes, its sap processed into chewing gum, its resonant lumber used to make musical instruments.

In the landscape red spruce can make for a nicely shaped specimen tree or a screen tree. They can be slow to get started, but put on as much as a foot per year once established.