Norway Spruce

Picea abies

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Basic Information

Family: Pinaceae

Genus: picea

Plant ID (slug): picea-abies

Numeric ID: 25784

USDA Hardiness: 2-7

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Picea abies is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

N. and C. Europe.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Inner bark Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Tea Young male catkins - raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring[172]. Immature female cones - cooked. The central portion, when roasted, is sweet and syrupy[172]. Inner bark - dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread[172]. An emergency food, used when all else fails. Seed - raw. Rich in oil and with a pleasant slightly resinous flavour, but too small and fiddly to be worthwhile unless you are desperate[172]. A refreshing tea, rich in vitamin C, can be made from the young shoot tips[172]. These tips are also used in making spruce beer[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antibiotic Antiseptic Balsamic Expectorant Poultice Sedative Vitamin C The buds, leaves and resin are antibiotic, antiseptic, balsamic, expectorant, sedative[7]. A pitch, or resin, obtained from the trunk is rubefacient and stimulant[240]. It is used externally in plasters etc for its healing and antiseptic properties[7]. A poultice of the sap or gum has been used in the treatment of boil and abscess pain[257].