White Spruce Tree

The White Spruce tree, Picea glauca, has many common names including the Western White Spruce, Canadian Spruce, Alberta Spruce, Alberta White Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, Skunk Spruce, Cat Spruce, and Porsild Spruce.

The White Spruce conifer is a very hardy evergreen tree, and can grow rapidly if placed in a well drained location. It is adaptable to many soil types and makes a beautiful Christmas tree, ornamental specimen, (when planted as a single), or it can be a steady windbreak when planted in rows.

White Spruce trees has a cone-shaped crown, and when grown in an open space, it develops a conical crown which extends nearly to the ground. The conical crown and spreading branches give it a nice appearance for use as an ornamental.

When the needle-shaped leaves are crushed, the needles have a disagreeable odor, thus, the common name of Skunk Spruce or Cat Spruce!

The wood is often used for pulpwood, lumber, furniture, and boxes and crates. White Spruce tree is an important source of food for wildlife, such as grouse and seed eating birds.