2 Native Spruce Trees In Wisconsin (Photos & Identification)
Wisconsin’s vast wilderness is a rich tapestry of native flora, including black and white spruce trees.
These native spruce species have established themselves in the state, displaying remarkable resilience as well as captivating beauty. From the dark and mystical forests to the peaceful northern landscapes, these spruce trees stand tall, providing shelter for wildlife, timber for construction, and enchantment to all who see them.
This article covers explores two native spruce trees in Wisconsin along with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions of their physical traits, natural habitats, and range.
So, let’s get started.
1. Black Spruce
- Common Name: Black Spruce
- Scientific Name: Picea mariana
- Mature Height: 30-40ft
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Cones oval shaped; light brown when ripe
- Uses: Mainly for paper pulp
Among the two native spruce trees in Wisconsin, the Black Spruce is a small tree, reaching fewer than 30 feet in height. The crown is thick, thin, and pointed, with drooping branches. The bark is thin and scaly, with gray-brown scales.
The needles of the Black Spruce are bluish-green, short, pointed, and four-sided. The needles are not grouped in a two-ranked pattern on the branch.
The Black Spruce fruit is an oval-shaped cone about 1 inch long. It matures in a single season and is light brown when ripe. The cones can remain on the trees indefinitely after dropping their seeds in the fall. The seeds are tiny, approximately an eighth of an inch long, dark brown, and winged.
In northern Wisconsin, the Black Spruce grows in poorly drained marshes and on well-drained hillsides. It is frequently found with tamarack, balsam fir, and white spruce. Its wood is yellow-white in color, light, soft, and medium in strength. It is mostly used to make paper pulp.
2. White Spruce
- Common Name: White Spruce
- Scientific Name: Picea glauca
- Mature Height: Reaches 60 to 80 feet; occasionally 100 feet with a diameter of 2 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native to northern Wisconsin
- Flowers/Cones: Slender cone, about 2 inches long; light brown when ripe; cones usually drop during winter after opening and shedding seeds
- Uses: Used in the manufacture of paper, airplanes, furniture parts, canoe paddles, and sounding boards for musical instruments; also planted for ornamental purposes, windbreaks, and shelterbelts; ranks high as a Christmas tree.
The tallest variety among spruce trees in Wisconsin, the White Spruce, has a diameter of 2 feet and can grow up to 80 feet tall and occasionally even taller, up to 100 feet.
It has a broad, open pyramid crown with inflexible branches that bend upward. Except in deep forests, the crown spreads well down the trunk. The thin bark peels away to reveal light gray-brown scaly plates.
The White Spruce needles are dark bluish-green and 4-sided, clustered in the upper half of the branchlets, and are 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. When crushed, they have a sharply pointed tip and a slightly foul odor.
When ripe, the slender cones are about 2 inches long, light brown, and drop throughout the winter after releasing their seeds. The seeds are around 1/8 to 1/6 inch long, pale brown, and winged.
White Spruce flourishes in swamps with balsam and tamarack trees, as well as damp, well-drained soils. It is also found in conjunction with mixed hardwoods. White Spruce wood is light, robust, soft, and straight-grained. It has a yellow-white tint and is used to make a variety of products, the most important of which is paper.
The larger trees are sawed into lumber and utilized in general construction, airplanes, furniture pieces, canoe paddles, and musical instrument sounding boards. White spruce is also widely planted for decorative purposes, windbreaks, and shelterbelts. It’s also a popular Christmas tree material.
Unfortunately, the Spruce budworm is wreaking havoc on this species in the state. Nonetheless, the White Spruce is a valuable and useful tree with a wide range of applications.
Native Spruce Trees In Wisconsin – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Spruce trees are not as common as many other varieties like Oak in Wisconsin. This has led to a lot of speculations and doubts about native spruce trees in Wisconsin. And, in this section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions on the internet.
Are there spruce trees in Wisconsin?
There are spruce trees in Wisconsin, but they are not as abundant as other coniferous species like pine and fir. But still, there are two native spruce trees present in the state – black spruce and white spruce. These trees can be found in Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes. These spruce trees, though not as prevalent as in some other regions, contribute to the ecological diversity and natural beauty of Wisconsin’s forests.
What are the uses of spruce trees in Wisconsin?
Spruce trees in Wisconsin serve a variety of practical purposes, making them valuable state resources. The timber derived from spruce is utilized in construction, including framing, flooring, and paneling. The straight and sturdy trunks of spruce trees make them ideal for the production of lumber and poles. Spruce wood is also used to make furniture, cabinets, and musical instruments.
Furthermore, spruce trees serve as important wildlife habitats, acting as nesting sites for birds and shelter for small mammals. Their dense foliage provides shade and privacy in landscaping while also improving the aesthetic appeal of residential and public spaces. Although spruce trees are not abundant, the versatile nature of spruce trees contributes significantly to Wisconsin’s economy, craftsmanship, and ecological balance.
Is Norway Spruce native to Wisconsin?
No, the Norway spruce (Picea abies) is not native to Wisconsin. While it is a popular and widely planted tree in North America, including Wisconsin, it is originally from Europe. The Norway spruce was brought to North America as an ornamental tree as well as for its timber value. It has successfully adapted to various regions of North America, including Wisconsin, and can be found in a variety of landscapes and forests throughout the state. However, it is important to note that it is not as common as in many other southern states.
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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.
- Tree Planting, Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources
- Trees Identification, Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources
- Forest Trees Of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources
- Trees of Wisconsin Field Guide, Book by Stan Tekiela
