Form: This is a medium-sized tree reaching 60-70 ft. in height. It has a distinctly conical shape with a dense crown.

Needles:
             

Arrangement: needles tend to be crowded on the upper portion of the twig due to a twist below*

Length: 1/3-1/4"

Shape: stiff and relatively sharp; quadrangular in cross-section

Other: blue-green in color

 

Bark: The bark is thin and ashy-brown in color. It separates into thin plates and scales.

Cones: It's cones are narrowly oblong, light brown, and flexible.

Distinguishing characteristics: In order to distinguish this species from black spruce, look for the slightly longer and sharper needle.

Range: This boreal species is found in the northern US, through Canada, all the way up to Alaska.

Silvics: tolerant; moist upland to somewhat dry soils

Ecological and cultural importance: It's roots were once used for weaving baskets by Native Americans. The stems are not browsed, but a variety of birds and small mammals feed on it's seeds.