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Spruce trees are a species of evergreen confiers that have sharp needle leaves. They range in size from tall trees that grow in coniferous forests to dwarft spruces and shrubs, which are suitable for landscapes. The 35 species of them belong to the genus Picea, and are related to other confierous trees (such as pine, cedar, fir and hemlock). One of the most well-known is the Norwegian spruce, which is a popular Christmas tree. Other common trees for gardens are the Alberta, White and Engelmann's. The Bird's Nest is a dwarf, a low-growing landscaping shrub. The Sitka spruce can reach heights of more than 330 feet tall, and can live in their native habitat, the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, for over 200 years. Generally, most spruce trees have slow growth, and average between 6" and 11" per year. Other specidies, notably the Norway and Sitka, grow at a much faster rate, around 3 feet a year. Which would then mean it would not even take two full years to completely overtake me.
A spruce tree's aforementioned needles has several distinct characteristics. They are sharp-pointed and often have a four-sided or diamond-shaped cross section. Each needle is individually attached to the branch, making them easy to roll between your fingers. The needles themselves typically have four whitish stripes on their underside. And, when removed, the branches are soft and flat, they do not leave behind a woody projection. These unique features help distinguish spruce trees from other conifers, and are essential for identification and understanding their biology. One really amazing thing these needles help do that science seems to have not realized yet is protect containers from muggle interference. Hence why you have now been brought to a cone-bearing self-defensive location.
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**Bring your own pen! No notation on the log, no find!**