Black Hills Spruce vs Sitka Spruce - TreeTime.ca

Black Hills Spruce vs Sitka Spruce

Picea glauca var. densata

Picea sitchensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Black Hills Spruce
Sitka Spruce

Black Hills Spruce is a subspecies of White Spruce native to the Black Hills of South Dakota. It has a strongly conical form, slower growth rate and denser foliage than typical white spruce, making it preferable as a specimen tree for smaller suburban lawns. It also responds well to pruning, and can be used as a hedge or even bonsai.

Sitka Spruce is a native conifer and the largest spruce species in the world. It grows quickly and reaches impressive heights, often reaching more than 50 metres (164 feet) in suitable conditions. It has strong, durable wood that has long been recognised for its commercial value.

It contributes to soil stability and plays an important role in coastal ecosystems. It offers cover and nesting sites for birds and small animals, and its seeds provide food for wildlife such as songbirds and small mammals.

Sitka Spruce plays a role in reforestation and ecological restoration projects in Coastal BC. The Wright Brothers used Sitka Spruce wood to build the frames of their first flying machines.

Black Hills Spruce Quick Facts

Sitka Spruce Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 5a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 61 m (200 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, conical
Spreading: seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: none


Bark: thin, flaky, gray-brown to gray-purple
Cones: Reddish-brown, papery cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: BC
Other Names: coast spruce, tideland spruce