Black Spruce, Swamp Spruce

Picea mariana

Physical Characteristics

Picea mariana is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, 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. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 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 tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Northern N. America - Alaska to Newfoundland and south to British Columbia and W. Virginia..

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Inner bark Seed Seedpod Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Drink Gum 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]. The cones are 1 - 4cm in diameter[82]. Inner bark - cooked[257]. It is usually harvested in the spring and can be dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread[172, 213]. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails. Seed - raw[172]. The seed is about 2 - 4mm long[229] and is 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, 213]. A tea is also made from the needles and the bark[21, 102]. A gum obtained from the bark is collected in considerable quantities and used for chewing[82, 177]. Hardened blobs make an excellent chewing gum[226]. It should be aged for 3 days or more before using it[102]. The best gum is obtained from the southern side of the tree[46]. Another report says that the gum, called 'spruce gum', is a resinous exudation collected from the branches[183]. A source of 'spruce oil', used commercially for flavouring[183]. The young twigs are boiled with molasses, sugar etc and then fermented to produce 'Spruce beer'[183, 257]. The beer is ready to drink in a week and is considered to be a good source of minerals and vitamins[226].

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Disinfectant Kidney Odontalgic Poultice Salve Skin Stomachic TB Vitamin C Vulnerary A poultice of the inner bark has been applied to inflammations[222, 257]. A tea made from the inner bark is a folk remedy for kidney stones, stomach problems and rheumatism[222]. An infusion of the roots and bark has been used in the treatment of stomach pains, trembling and fits[257]. A resin from the trunk is used as a poultice and salve on sores to promote healing[222, 257]. The resin can be mixed with oil and used as a dressing on purulent wounds, bad burns, skin rashes, scabies and persistent scabs[257]. The resin can be chewed as an aid to digestion[257]. A decoction of the gum or leaves has been used in treating respiratory infections and kidney problems[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a bath or a rub in treating dry skin or sores[257]. A decoction of the young twigs has been used in the treatment of coughs[257]. A decoction of the cones has been drunk in the treatment of diarrhoea[257]. A decoction has been used externally as a gargle to treat sore throats[257]. The cones have been chewed to treat a sore mouth and toothaches[257].

Known Hazards

The sawdust, the resin from the trunk and even the needles can cause dermatitis in some people[222].