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Never attribute to malice, that which can be reasonably explained by stupidity.

Spider Robinson

Black Hills Spruce

Picea glauca var densata

Black Hills spruce is a variety of white spruce native to the Black Hills of south dakota. It's much bushier than White spruce, somewhat more drought tolerant. Has about the same growth rate as Colorado spruce -- 6-8 inches per year.

If you have the patience, this is a good windbreak tree for restricted spaces.

Used in combination with Colorado spruce if you want a row that alternates blue-white/dark green. Alternate with White spruce if you want alternation of tall/short.

Like all spruce little grows underneath. In a yard it looks tidier to trim the dead branches from under the tree. You can get a neater appearance by taking off just enough of the lower branches so that you can run the lawn mower under the edge.

Light: Full sun to light shade.

Soil: Most soils. Doesn't do well on sandy very quick draining soils. Doesn't do well on soil that is saturated for more than a few weeks in spring. Tolerates alkaline soil.

Recommended: Shelterbelts, boulevards, specimen

Black Hills Spruce Picea glauca var densitata
Location Potsize Height Count Price
RA17 T1 12 - 16 in. 22 $8 - $10 ($8 per foot)

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Sherwood's Forests is located about 75 km southwest of Edmonton, Alberta. Please refer to the map on our Contact page for directions.