Picea abies 'Nidiformis'

Bird's Nest Spruce

Bird’s Nest Spruce (Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’) is a low evergreen shrub with green needles and a broad, layered outline. Its tightly arranged branches create a dense surface, while a shallow hollow can develop near the center as the plant ages.

The shrub expands sideways more than upward, producing the nest-like form that gives it its name. It supplies a substantial patch of year-round greenery at the base of taller plantings. Position it with enough open ground for its eventual spread.

Grow in sun with moist, well-drained soil. Cool summers suit Norway spruce best; avoid waterlogged sites and prolonged drying while roots establish.

Approximate garden size
• Width: 8 ft; larger with age
• Height: 4 ft; larger with age

Hardiness
• Hardy to USDA Zone 3; upper limit varies with climate

Best Uses
• Foundation
• Border
• Specimen

Plant type

Conifer, Evergreen Tree

Height

4 ft+

Width

8 ft+

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Does not flower

Flower color

None

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Border, Foundation, Specimen

Shape

Low Mounding, Spreading

Fruit

No

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No