Plant field guide
Norway Spruce
The quintessential Christmas tree species — a fast-growing evergreen with gracefully weeping branchlets and pendulous cones. Exceptional windbreak and privacy tree. Native to Europe, widely planted in North America.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Picea abies
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 480 in (1219 cm) – 720 in (1829 cm)
- Spread
- 120 in (305 cm) – 240 in (610 cm)
- Spacing
- 120 in (305 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 2–7; average annual extreme minimum from -50°F (-45.6°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: no calendar months recorded.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Extremely adaptable and fast-growing. Provide adequate space — trees can reach 50+ feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity. Excellent windbreak when planted in rows. Not tolerant of heat or drought; thrives in cool climates.
Pruning
Rarely needs pruning. If shaping is needed, do so in early spring before new growth hardens.
Fertilizer
Balanced slow-release acidic
Early spring
Mulch
3–4 inches of bark mulch to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.