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N 45° 54.676′ W 94° 20.293′
Some of the most recognizable evergreen trees. They are used in pulp and some dimensional lumber, but the White Spruce is more commercially valuable than the black spruce. The black spruce is great for it's ability to grow in wetter soils and provide habitat for wildlife.
Black Spruce
Small tree; straight trunk up to 12" in diameter with somewhat drooping branches; mature tree usually reaches a height of 20' to 30', although under favorable conditions, it can attain a height of 70' to 80'; often associated with tamarack, balsam fir, and white cedar. In cold swamps the growth is practically stagnant and trees 2" in diameter have been found to be 127 years old.
Bark
Grayish to reddish-brown, scaly.
Leaf
Needlelike, bluish green, short, pointed, four-sided; length 1/2"; found scattered thinly over branches.
Fruit (seed)
Cones oval shaped, length 1/2" to 1-1/2"; young cones purple, mature cones dark brown, remaining on trees indefinitely; open in the fall to release seeds; seeds small, dark brown, and winged, mature in one season.
Range
Northern and northeastern parts of the state, extending as far south as northern Anoka County; shade tolerant; common marsh or bog species.
Wood uses
Yellow-white, light, soft, and medium strong; used for paper pulp and Christmas trees; not recommended for ornamental planting.
or
White Spruce
Form
Height usually 40' to 60', occasionally 100', with a diameter of 24"; straight trunk; long, stout branches form broad conical head.
Bark
Dark gray or gray-brown and scaly.
Leaf
Needlelike, four-sided, crowded along branchlets; length 1/3" to 3/4"; pale bluish when young, dark bluish green when mature; sharply pointed; has a slightly disagreeable odor when crushed.
Fruit (seed)
Slender cone, length about 2"; cone scales round and soft at ends; cone thin and flexible when mature; narrow-winged seeds mature in one season; cones drop during winter after opening and shedding seeds.
Range
Extensively found in the forests of northern Minnesota, reaching outward to the St. Croix Valley; thrives on dry soils associated with pine, and on moist soils and in swamps with balsam fir and tamarack; also found associated with mixed hardwoods; intermediate in shade tolerance.
Wood uses
Light, strong, soft, straight-grained, yellow-white; used in the manufacture of various products, most important of which is paper. Largest trees are sawed into lumber and used for general construction—airplanes, furniture parts, canoe paddles, and sounding boards for musical instruments; planted quite extensively for ornamental purposes, wind-breaks, and shelterbelts; ranks high as a Christmas tree.
More information:
White Spruce diagnosing yard tree (PDF)
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