Spruce, Black Hills

Picea glauca 'Densata'

Height: 20-40ft
Spread: 10-15ft
Zone: 3-6
Exposure: Full sun
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Uses: Specimen, shade tree, screens, windbreak
Maintenance: Low
Tree Shape: Rounded, pyramidal
Other: Native, deer resistant, evergreen

Black Hills white spruce is native to a small area in South Dakota and has been cultivated for its superior qualities over other white spruce. The sharp, stiff, pungently scented needles are in hues of blue and green and surround the stems, giving the spruce a dense habit. Small green cones will form early in the season before maturing to light brown and are often found in the canopy. Black Hills spruce are perfect for acreages, provided they have moist, well-drained soils in full sun. They do however tolerate some light shade. White spruce do best in cooler weather away from urban stresses.