White Spruce

White Spruce (Picea glauca) is a coniferous, evergreen plant that is widely found all across Canada and the northern parts of the United States. Coniferous plants have needles and cones. Evergreen plants don't lose their leaves or needles during any particular season. Originally native to Alaska, it now is one of the most common trees you will see in this beautiful country of Canada! The genus picea contains 35 species.

White Spruce can grow up to 100 feet tall and span as far as 20 feet! They can live up to 300 years old. The roots grow closer to the ground surface and span very wide. Don't plant them too close to your garden, the roots will absorb most of the nutrients. The needles also contain an acidic trait that will kill what lies below and the shade would take away from your garden. The bark has a silvery look to it, which is where the species gets its name.

White spruce attract wildlife such as bear, deer, rabbit, squirrels, porcupines, and birds. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can withstand many natural forces such as strong winds, cold, and heat.

Uses

• Construction lumber

• Paper

• Musical instruments

• Landscape beauty

• Christmas trees and winter decor

• Windbreak

• Shade

• Nutrition (see below)

• Craft material

Nutrition

The buds (fresh green needle growth) can be harvested and made into tea, vinegar, jelly, spice, coffee flavour. They contain vitamin C, carotenoids, potassium, and magnesium. Check out this website for some recipes:

https://woodlandwoman.ca/foraging-for-spruce-tips/

The needles may also be used as a garnish to festive dishes.

I hope you enjoyed this weeks article on White Spruce. If you don't have one in your yard, I'd say it's time to plant one! Speaking of planting, you can plant these from seeds, but I have personally never succeeded yet and I recommend transplanting. I picked up mine at my local Shoppers Drug Mart. The photo below is our tree!