Tree Identification
print close window
Picea glauca - White Spruce
4-sided needles with blunt points and the buds of white spruce.
Mature Cones, note the smooth margins on the cone scales
New cone
Pollen cones
Pyramidal Form
Pyramidal Form
Eastern spruce galls on Black Hills spruce
All Images By: Dave Hanson
  • Characteristics
  • Disease Management
  • Links
White spruce is a native spruce that is hardy throughout Minnesota, but more prevalent in the cooler coniferous forests of Northeastern Minnesota. White and black spruce are commonly harvested for use in the pulp industries.

Large tree height: 40-60'
Canopy spreads: 10-20', Pyramidal crown
Drought Tolerance: Intolerant
Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
Soil pH Tolerance: Tolerant to high pH
Poor Soil Drainage: Intolerant to flooding
Salt Tolerance:

 Sensitive to salt spray and Intermediate to soil salts.

Note: Picea glauca var. densata Bailey is listed by some resources as tolerant to salt in both categories and is also considered to be more tolerant of drought.
White spruce is widely planted as a Christmas tree in Minnesota and is also a popular tree in the landscape. There are a number of varieties available in the nursery trade with a Minnesota favorite being black hills spruce (Picea glauca var. densata Bailey).
DISEASE SYMPTOMS MANAGEMENT
Cytospora canker, Leucostoma kunzei Fungi
 Branch dieback in the lower crown with copious amounts of oozing sap. Cankers spread from infection site on branch toward trunk. Needles turn purple or brown then drop. This disease attacks stressed spruce, esp. mature Colorado blue spruce. Plant on good sites. Avoid wounds and crowding. Maintain plant health. Remove and destroy infected branches in late winter.

CHEMICAL: None.
Lirula needle blight, Lirula sp. Fungi
 Inner needles turn a light tan and remain on the tree. Black, slightly raised, elongate fruiting bodies develop on the lower surface of infected needles. Plant on good sites. Avoid wounds and crowding.

CHEMICAL: Make a single application of chlorothalonil by July 1.
Rhizosphaera needle cast, Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii Fungi
 Infection occurs on new needles which discolor and shed the next spring and summer. Needles discolor first yellow then purple or brown. Tiny black fruiting bodies replace the white stomata on individual green or discolored needles and can easily be seen with a hand lens. Trees are predisposed by stress, especially drought. Avoid stress, especially from drought. Increase air circulation by removing lower branches and mowing grass or weeds. Avoid overhead watering.

CHEMICAL: Two spring applications of chlorothalonil will protect new needles from infection.


For More Information on Pine Bark Adelgids (view pine bark website)

For More Information on Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgids (Adelgis abietis) (view eastern spruce website)