Fat Albert Spruce vs Sitka Spruce - TreeTime.ca

Fat Albert Spruce vs Sitka Spruce

Picea sitchensis

Picea pungens Fat Albert

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Sitka Spruce
Fat Albert 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.

The Fat Albert Spruce is a cold-hardy evergreen variety with silvery-blue needles, and a large, tear-drop shape. It is deer resistant, and considered a good choice for xeriscaping projects as it is quite drought tolerant.

The Fat Albert Spruce is a Blue Spruce cultivar that was introduced in the late 1970’s by the Iseli Nursery and is named after the fictional character of the same name.

Sitka Spruce Quick Facts

Fat Albert Spruce Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2a
Height: 61 m (200 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, conical
Spreading: seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: none


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


Native to: BC
Other Names: coast spruce, tideland spruce