Native Americans included spruce trees in their folklore. Tribes in the US southwest used the tree to symbolize the sky. Salavi, an ancient medicine man, chose to become a tree, or so the story goes. He became the first spruce tree and sealed his place in the legends of his people.
In Ontario, you can find white spruce trees that grow 30 metres high. They make great heritage trees since they last between 250 and 350 years on average. Some white spruce trees can live to be 1,000 years old or older. In addition, these trees grow in the shape of a pyramid but begin to look more like columns as they age.
White Spruce Needles and Cones
Like all evergreen trees, white spruce trees keep their needles year-round. Here are some interesting facts that make white spruce needles and cones unique:
- Short bluish-green needles (2 centimetres long)
- Waxy coating on needles
- Cones grow 7 centimetres (longer than the needles)
- The needles are slightly curved and tend to crowd on the upper side of each stem.
- The cylindrical cones have flexible scales that protect the seeds.
Refer to our recent piece on “Your Evergreen Guide to Evergreens”.
What Are Some Other White Spruce Fast Facts?
Here are a few facts about these lovely spruce trees:
- The thick trunks can reach up to around 60 centimetres.
- They are moisture tolerant and not picky about soil types.
- [1] They’re versatile landscape anchors.
- They are easy to transplant, making them an attractive tree choice for business or home landscaping.
- Can withstand wind, heat, cold, drought, crowding and some shade.
- Works well as windbreaks in cities and rural areas.
There is at least one thing white spruce trees have in common with other evergreens. They’re popular as Christmas trees. Dutchmaster Nurseries’ product catalogue has a wide selection of evergreens, including white spruce, for landscapers, contractors, and other businesses that stock and sell trees and tree services.
Biological and Environmental Stressors
There are several environmental and biological stressors that impact how well white spruce will do in particular areas. Drought, frost, fire, lightning, and ice can all have a detrimental effect on white spruce.
There are also biological stressors that may impact the health and growth of white spruce trees. These include fungi, blight, insect infestation, and seed consumption by wildlife.
Dutchmaster Nurseries has offered evergreens and other trees to businesses for over 50 years. Contact us for wholesale white spruce trees and any other landscaping needs you may have. Our knowledgeable tree consultants will answer your questions and take your order today.
Refs
https://www.ontario.ca/page/white-spruce
http://srrcd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/White-Spruce-Information.pdf