The Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is a large, fast-growing, European evergreen conifer known for its graceful, pendulous branches as it matures, making it popular for windbreaks, screens, and specimen planting, though it needs ample space; it thrives in full sun, moist, well-drained soils in cooler climates (USDA Zones 3-7), tolerates urban pollution, and offers deep green needles with hanging cones, but struggles in extreme heat or standing water.
Key Characteristics
Growth: Fast to medium growth rate, especially when young, often reaching 40-60 feet tall (or more in ideal conditions) with a 25-30 foot spread, but large mature size must be considered.
Appearance: Pyramidal shape; dark green, four-sided, stiff needles (about 1 inch long); distinctive pendulous secondary branches as it ages; light brown, 4-7 inch cones that hang down.
Habitat: Native to Europe, widely planted in North America in cool, temperate zones.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils; tolerates various soil types and urban pollution.
Water: Average to moist; does not tolerate standing water.
Hardiness: Best in USDA Zones 3-7, dislikes intense heat.