Norway spruce
Giuthas Lochlannach
Norway spruce navigation
Picea abies
The Norway spruce – or Picea abies – is most recognisable as the traditional Christmas tree choice.
This tree is a European, but not British, native species.
Facts and statistics
Here are some interesting facts about Norway spruce.
200 years
Grows up to 40 metres in height.
Needles are pointed, mid-green, and stand on tiny pegs.
Long cylindrical brown cones which hang down.
Smooth, greyish-brown bark with a rusty tint.
Throughout Europe.
The Norway spruce’s tough and elastic timber is used for internal building work, boxes and paper.
Its sound transmitting properties make it ideal for certain parts of violins. In the past its resin was used as a source of turpentine and pitch, while its twigs were used for making spruce beer.