Ponderosa Pine vs Sitka Spruce - TreeTime.ca

Ponderosa Pine vs Sitka Spruce

Picea sitchensis

Pinus ponderosa

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Sitka Spruce
Ponderosa Pine

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. It also holds historical significance: the Wright Brothers famously used Sitka Spruce to construct the frames of their first flying machines.

Ponderosa Pine is the tallest known pine in North America. This popular evergreen has distinctive, textured bark and long needles.

This makes it an excellent ornamental tree for landscaping on large properties. Ponderosa Pine is hardy in a variety of soil conditions.

Sitka Spruce Quick Facts

Ponderosa Pine Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $2.29 - SAVE UP TO 54%
Zone: 5a
Zone: 3a
Height: 61 m (200 ft)
Height: 30 m (98 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
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


Native to: BC
Native to: BC
Other Names: coast spruce, tideland spruce
Other Names: big pine, black jack pine, bull pine, heavy pine, ponderosa white pine, sierra brownbark pine, western longleaf pine, western pitch pine, western red pine, western yellow pine, yellow pine