Picea sitchensis
Sitka Spruce
Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is a very large evergreen native to the Pacific coast of North America. Sharp blue-green needles have pale undersides, and the mature tree develops a tall crown with spreading and drooping branches.
This species belongs in a spacious landscape where its eventual scale can be accommodated. Cones develop high in the crown, and the tree provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. Its best performance is in the cool, moist conditions of coastal regions.
Choose a cool, moist coastal site with room for a very large tree. Maintain soil moisture and keep buildings and overhead lines well clear of its eventual canopy.
Size
• Width: About 20–30 ft; allow generous surrounding space
• Height: 40–230 ft, depending on age and site
Hardiness
• USDA Zones: 7–8 in the NC State guide
Best Uses
• Specimen
• Woodland Gardens
- Plant type
- Conifer, Evergreen Tree
- Height
- 40-230 ft
- Width
- 20-30 ft
- Hardiness zones
- 7–8
- Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom time
- Does not flower
- Flower color
- None
- Leaf color
- Blue-green, Silver
- Fall color
- Blue-green, Silver
- Attracts
- Birds
- Soil
- Humus rich, Moist well-drained
- Landscape use
- Specimen, Woodland Gardens
- Shape
- Pyramidal, Spreading
- Bark
- Platy
- Fruit
- Yes
- Fragrant
- No
- Deer resistant
- Yes
- Salt tolerant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No
Plant photos (2)
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