Oriental spruce at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Oriental spruce (Picea orientalis) stands as a tall spire in the urban landscape. A mature tree may reach 50 to 60 feet tall and makes a narrow stature or footprint of 15 to 25 feet in spread. Lateral branches uniquely bend downward while the growing tips sweep gracefully upward.

Annual growth rate is slow at 12-15 inches. Two-thirds of the short dark green needles lay flat. Needles are lustrous on the upper surface with two prominent white bands on the underside. Oval-shaped 2 ½ inches long cones hang downward, bluish-black early and light cinnamon at maturity.

Oriental spruce is highly adaptable. It grows well in full or partial sunlight (6 hours recommended) and rooted in moist well-drained soils with a wide pH range. A 3-year and older established tree handles summer dry spells and rough urban environs. A nursery-grown tree transplants well in the early fall or late winter periods from container or balled and burlapped (B&B) stock. It is northern hardy to USDA hardiness zone 4 and with good heat tolerance in zone 7.

Their branch silhouette is unique. Few diseases and pests trouble this statuesque tree. Group several together as a windbreak or privacy screen or plant a single specimen in a prominent place in commercial and residential landscape. Where ground area is not plentiful, capture the vertical nature of this unique conifer.

Looking for an alternative to the oft-used Norway and Colorado spruces, try Oriental spruce. Dwarf and weeping cultivars are also available through e-commerce specialty conifer nurseries on-line.