White spruce (Picea glauca) is not native to Iowa. It occurs quite widely over the northern portion of the Lake States, northern New England and much of Canada. It has been planted quite extensively in Iowa for ornamental and windbreak use. It does best in the eastern part of the state.
Hardiness: Zones 2 through 6
Growth Rate: Moderate
Mature Shape: Columnar, pyramidal shape
Height: 40-60 feet
Width: 10-20 feet
Site Requirements: Full sun
Flowering Dates: May
Seed Dispersal Dates: September
Seed Bearing Age: 30 years
Seed Bearing Frequency: Every 2 to 6 years
Seed Stratification: No stratification period is needed.
The needles are single, four-sided and crowded along the branches. They are 1/2 to 3/4 inches long; sharply pointed; and dark bluish green when mature.
The cone is 1 to 2 inches long, cylindrical, thin and flexible when mature. The cone scales are rounded and soft at the ends.
The white spruce grows to about 60 feet tall. It is densely foliated and has a straight trunk. The bark is dark gray or gray-brown in color. Its foliage and twigs are eaten by white-tailed deer. The tree provides cover for many species of wildlife.
