Picea mariana
Picea mariana black spruce
A slow-growing native spruce living up to 200 years. It is commonly found along marshes and bogs. Cones mature in autumn but may not open for a number of years. Heat from forest fires opens the cones releasing large number of seeds. Black spruce is relatively small, only growing to a height of 50 feet.
Habitat & Range
Grows in bogs, peats, or wet soil, often with tamaracks.
Present throughout the state.
| EMP: | FACW |
|---|---|
| NCNE: | FACW |
Phenology
Cones mature in autumn, but may not open and stay on the tree for up to 15 yrs.
Characteristics
Tree narrow pyramid shape, slender, small to medium size; upper branches spread and can be drooping, many dead lower branches
Needles single, densely set along twig, dull bluish-green in color; 1⁄4-1 inch long
Twigs young twigs have very small brownish hairs
Bark reddish-brown with large scales, inside bark is light green
Seed Cones purplish, becoming brown when mature, egg-shaped; 1⁄2-1 1⁄2 inch long
Height 20-50 feet
Fall Color evergreen
Age 150-200 yrs
Plant Codes
S-rank: S4 (Apparently secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Picea mariana black spruce
