Norway spruce Picea abies
Norway spruce (Picea abies) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pinaceae family, native to Northern and central Europe. It grows 15–35 m (49–115 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -40 °C (-40 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Norway spruce in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Norway spruce at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Mature height | 15–35 m (49–115 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -40 °C (-40 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: young shoot tips (tea, syrup) |
| Native to | Northern and central Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇸🇪 Sweden |
Is Norway spruce toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity is reported for people; resin and needles may upset pets, which is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Norway spruce
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Norway spruce in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- New York Botanical Garden (2 plants)
Questions about Norway spruce
- How far apart should I plant Norway spruce?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Norway spruce need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Norway spruce need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Norway spruce?
- It tolerates about -40 °C (-40 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Norway spruce flower?
- From about May for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Norway spruce poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity is reported for people; resin and needles may upset pets, which is not well documented.
- What grows well with Norway spruce?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Norway spruce. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Shallow-rooted and prone to windthrow; stressed by heat, drought and warm summers outside its cool-climate range.
- The typical Christmas tree; very large when mature, so only suited to big gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Colorado blue spruce Picea pungens
- Japanese black pine Pinus thunbergii
- Eastern white pine Pinus strobus
- Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
- Siberian larch Larix sibirica
- Two-needle piñon Pinus edulis
- Lacebark pine Pinus bungeana