4 Common Spruce Trees In Kansas (Photos & Identification)
Kansas is the only state in the United States that lacks a native conifer such as spruce, pine, or fir. However, this does not imply that there are no spruce trees in Kansas.
In the state, four different varieties of spruce trees have been naturalized, and they are fairly common in landscapes. In this article, we will look at these four spruce trees in Kansas to help you identify them.
So, let’s begin with the most common one among all the spruce trees in Kansas, the Colorado Spruce.
1. Colorado Spruce
- Scientific Name: Picea pungens
- Common Name(s): Colorado spruce, blue spruce
- Mature Height: 30-75 feet (9-23 meters)
- Native Region: Western North America
- Flowers: No flowers
- Fruit: Small brown cones
- Uses: Ornamental, timber, windbreaks
The Colorado spruce, often known as the blue spruce, is a beautiful evergreen tree that is frequently utilized as an ornamental in Kansas landscaping. It is distinguishable by its distinctive blue-gray needles and symmetrical pyramidal structure. This tree can grow to be 30 to 75 feet tall when mature, making it an excellent choice for providing a focal point or windbreak in bigger yards or open spaces.
The Colorado spruce is native to western North America, including Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, and it thrives in Kansas’ climate and soil conditions. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and it can tolerate both alkaline and slightly acidic soils. This tree grows well in Kansas because it loves somewhat lower temperatures and moderate precipitation levels.
The needles of the Colorado spruce are thick and sharp-pointed, measuring 1 to 1.5 inches long. The silvery-blue to deep green needles provide a lovely contrast to the other trees and plants in the area. Young trees have smooth, grayish-brown bark, however, elder trees may develop flaking plates.
The Colorado spruce does not have beautiful flowers, but it does have short, slender brown cones. These cones can provide aesthetic interest to the tree and can last for several years on the branches.
The Colorado spruce is widely utilized as a focus point in gardens, as a windbreak to protect other plants or structures, or as a display tree in Kansas landscapes. Its appealing blue color and unusual shape make it a popular decorative tree. Furthermore, due to its strength and longevity, the lumber from Colorado spruce trees is utilized in construction and furniture manufacture.
2. Serbian Spruce
- Scientific Name: Picea omorika
- Common Name(s): Serbian Spruce
- Mature Height: 60-100 feet (18-30 meters)
- Native Region: Southeastern Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia)
- Flowers: No Flowers.
- Fruit: Cones that are initially green and turn brown when mature.
- Uses: Ornamental tree, timber for construction and furniture, Christmas tree.
The Serbian Spruce, Picea omorika, is a lovely evergreen tree that can grow to a mature height of 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters). It is indigenous to southeastern Europe, particularly Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia.
The Serbian Spruce is distinguished by its narrow, conical shape and dense leaves. The branches are gently pendulous, lending an exquisite aspect to the tree. The tree’s needles are small and pointed, measuring from 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) long. They feature a dark green upper side and two silvery-white stripes on the undersides, creating a dramatic contrast.
When young, the bark of the Serbian Spruce is smooth and grayish-brown, but as it ages, it develops scaly plates. The tree produces little, inconspicuous cones that begin green and grow to brown. These cones carry the seeds of the tree, which are distributed by the wind.
The Serbian Spruce may grow in several soil types, but it favors moist, well-drained soils. It can withstand both direct sunlight and partial shade. It is critical in Kansas landscapes to ensure that the tree receives appropriate hydration during dry months. Watering and mulching regularly might aid with moisture retention.
The Serbian Spruce is a popular decorative tree in landscapes due to its graceful form and lovely foliage. It is frequently planted as a specimen tree or as a privacy screen or windbreak. Serbian Spruce wood is also valued for its strength and durability, making it perfect for construction and furnishings. It is also a popular Christmas tree choice due to its exquisite aesthetic and exceptional needle retention.
3. Black Hills Spruce
- Scientific Name: Picea glauca var. densata
- Common Name(s): Black Hills Spruce, Picea glauca ‘Densata’, White Spruce ‘Densata’
- Mature Height: 30-60 feet (9-18 meters)
- Native Region: North America
- Flowers: No Flowers.
- Fruit: Cones, initially green and then turning brown when mature.
- Uses: Black Hills Spruce trees are commonly used in landscaping as ornamental trees for their attractive foliage and dense growth habit. They also provide good windbreaks.
The Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca var. densata) is a North American White Spruce cultivar. It is widely known as Black Hills Spruce due to its origins in South Dakota’s Black Hills. These trees are quite versatile and are commonly utilized in landscaping, particularly in Kansas settings.
Black Hills Spruce trees are typically medium-sized, with mature heights ranging from 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters). They grow densely and have a conical shape with stiff, horizontal branches. The foliage is made up of needle-like bluish-green leaves that provide a lovely contrast to the other trees in the area.
Black Hills Spruce trees grow in a range of soil types in Kansas but prefer moist, well-drained soils. They may grow in full sun or partial shade but prefer full sun for best growth. These trees can resist tough weather conditions such as frigid winters and strong winds, making them ideal for Kansas landscapes.
While Black Hills Spruce trees do not produce flowers, their fruits are cones. The cones start green but eventually turn brown. These cones add to the tree’s ornamental appeal and may remain on the branches for several years.
Aside from their visual value, Black Hills Spruce trees have a variety of functions. Because of their dense growth and capacity to tolerate wind, they are frequently employed as windbreaks in Kansas landscapes to protect other plants, buildings, and cattle. These trees can also be planted in rows to create natural barriers and function as privacy screens. The wood from Black Hills Spruce trees is used for framing, paneling, and other general woodworking projects.
4. Norway Spruce
- Scientific Name: Picea abies
- Common Name(s): Norway Spruce
- Mature Height: 50-150 feet (15-45 meters)
- Native Region: Europe
- Flowers: No flowers
- Fruit: Elongated cones
- Uses: Norway Spruce is commonly used as a Christmas tree, as well as for timber and pulpwood production. It is also used ornamentally in landscapes for its attractive shape and dense, dark green foliage.
Picea abies, also known as Norway spruce, is a popular and frequently planted evergreen tree. With a conical crown and spreading limbs, it can reach a mature height of 50 to 150 feet (15 to 45 meters). The tree has rich, dark green foliage that stays on the tree all year, making it an ideal windbreak or privacy screen.
The Norway Spruce has needles that are dark green and about 1 inch long, making it easy to identify. These needles are adhered to the twigs singly, giving the branches a drooping appearance. The tree’s bark is thick and scaly, and it is grayish-brown in hue.
The Norway Spruce, which is native to Europe, is well-suited to Kansas environments. It may grow in a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and well-drained sandy soil. For optimal growth, it prefers full sun exposure. Once established, it is a sturdy tree that can withstand cold winters and moderate drought conditions.
The Norway Spruce does not have beautiful flowers, but it does have elongated cones. These cones start green and eventually become brown. They can live on the tree for many years before dying.
The Norway Spruce has a wide range of functional and decorative use. Because of its symmetrical design and dark green needles, it is widely used as a Christmas tree. The Norway Spruce wood is precious and used to make lumber and pulpwood. It is frequently planted as an ornamental tree in landscaping due to its appealing look and capacity to provide a privacy screen or windbreak.
Common Spruce Trees In Kansas – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly asked questions about native and non-native spruce trees in Kansas landscapes.
Are there any native spruce trees in Kansas?
There are no native spruce trees in Kansas. However, some of the varieties like Colorado Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, and Norway Spruce are naturalized here and are pretty common in the state landscapes.
What should I consider before growing spruce trees in Kansas?
Consider the local climate and soil conditions before planting spruce trees in Kansas. Spruces, such as Norway or Colorado blue spruce, prefer well-drained soils and thrive in cold-weather areas. Kansas has a variable climate with hot summers and occasionally harsh winters, so make sure the spruce variety you choose is appropriate for these conditions. Watering is critical, especially during dry spells, because spruces are susceptible to drought stress. Plan for adequate spacing because spruce trees can grow large and require space to develop. Consider potential pest and disease issues, such as spruce spider mites and needle cast diseases, and put preventive measures in place to keep your trees healthy.
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Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- Recommended Plants & Trees For Kansas, Kansas State University
- Native Tree Identification, Kansas Native Plant Society
- Discover Kansas Forests, Kansas Forest Service
- Preferred Trees for Southwest Kansas, Kansas State University
