Red Spruce vs Sitka Spruce - TreeTime.ca

Red Spruce vs Sitka Spruce

Picea sitchensis

Picea rubens

CUSTOM GROW

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Sitka Spruce
Red 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.

Red Spruce is a long-lived, shade tolerant conifer that grows naturally in eastern Ontario and the Maritime provinces. Hardiest in the eastern regions of Canada, this tree tolerates many soil types, moisture levels, and is low maintenance.

Attractive year-round foliage makes Red Spruce a nice ornamental tree for urban and rural landscapes. If you are considering creating a shelterbelt, privacy screen, or hedge in eastern Canada, this tree is an excellent option.

Sitka Spruce Quick Facts

Red Spruce Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 61 m (200 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
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
Bark: reddish-brown to black
Cones: Reddish-brown, papery cones
Cones: red-brown with stiff scales
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: BC
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Other Names: coast spruce, tideland spruce
Other Names: eastern spruce, he balsam, he-balsam, yellow spruce