The Norway spruce, scientifically known as Picea abies, is a majestic evergreen conifer native to Europe. Renowned for its rapid growth and towering stature, it can reach heights of 115 to 180 feet, with a trunk diameter of 1 to 1.5 meters. This impressive tree is characterized by its dense, conical shape, with branches that gracefully droop downwards, creating a distinctive silhouette. Its needles are short, quadrangular, and dark green, adding to its lush appearance. The Norway spruce boasts the largest cones of any spruce species, ranging from 9 to 17 cm in length. These cones start off green or reddish and mature to a rich brown color.
This versatile tree thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping, windbreaks, and even Christmas trees. Its adaptability extends to soil types, though it prefers cooler climates. In its native range, the Norway spruce can live for up to 300 years, providing a long-lasting presence in the landscape. It's an economically important species, used for timber and paper production. The Norway spruce also plays a symbolic role, with the city of Oslo gifting a Norway spruce to London, Edinburgh, and Washington D.C. each Christmas as a token of gratitude for wartime support.