Black Spruce vs Dragon Spruce - TreeTime.ca

Black Spruce vs Dragon Spruce

Picea asperata

Picea mariana

Dragon Spruce
Black Spruce

Dragon spruce is a unique looking spruce, as it is more shaggy and irregular than most spruces. They have sharp, stiff needles that are directed forward on the branch and their colour ranges from grey/green to blue/green.

They will grow in nutrient poor soils and can tolerate stronger winds, making them a good choice for providing shelter.

This species has been declining due to deforestation and related human activity in western China, its native range. It has notable genetic diversity for a spruce with a number of unusual growth habit variants. Given the cultural significance of the dragon, this tree should not be underestimated for its beauty or usefulness.

Black Spruce is a medium-sized coniferous tree that tolerates wet ground better than most spruces. It has a characteristic straight trunk and a narrow crown.

Dragon Spruce Quick Facts

Black Spruce Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Cones: dark purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: chinese spruce, yun shan
Other Names: bog spruce, canadian spruce, double spruce, eastern spruce, shorleaf black spruce, swamp spruce