Serbian Spruce vs Sitka Spruce - TreeTime.ca

Serbian Spruce vs Sitka Spruce

Picea sitchensis

Picea omorika

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Sitka Spruce
Serbian Spruce

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.

Serbian Spruce is a medium-sized evergreen. Even in the absence of competition, Serbian Spruce has a slender form.

It is commonly used as an ornamental tree due to its columnar shape. Serbian Spruce can grow on a variety of sites, but it prefers moist drained soils.

Sitka Spruce Quick Facts

Serbian Spruce Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 61 m (200 ft)
Height: 15 m (49 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
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: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: BC
Other Names: coast spruce, tideland spruce