Black spruce is a small, narrow evergreen tree with a spire-like crown. It has descending branches, with dark, bluish-green needles, and upturned ends. Lower limbs sweep the ground. It is an excellent choice for cold northern climates and tolerant of wet sites.
- Family (English) Pine
- Family (botanic) Pinaceae
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Evergreen (foliage year-round)
- Native locale North America
- Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago)
- Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil, Wet soil
- Drought tolerance Moderately sensitive
- Other tolerances Occasional drought, Wet sites
- Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early spring, mid spring, late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall, late fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Narrow, Pyramidal, Upright
- Growth rate Slow