Plant guide

Spruce.

Picea glauca 'Conica'

Pronounced PY-see-uh

Also known as Picea glauca 'Conica', Spruce, Spruces

Picea glauca — Photo by Jason Grant (CC BY) via gbif

Spruce trees are iconic evergreen conifers known for their conical shape and stiff needles. They thrive in cooler climates and bring a classic, forest feel to any landscape. These trees are quite hardy and make excellent focal points in larger gardens.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Coniferous evergreen tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 20 to 60 meters depending on species
Growth rate: Medium

Care

Plant your spruce in a spot with plenty of room for its roots to spread. Keep an eye out for browning needles, which often signal moisture stress or pest issues. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but never waterlogged to keep the tree happy.

Watering: Water deeply during dry spells to keep the root ball hydrated.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring before new growth begins.
Pruning: Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches during the dormant winter season.
Repotting: Repot young container specimens only when they become root bound.
Soil: Well draining acidic soil
Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.5

Safety

Pets: Spruce trees are generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs, though the needles can cause mild irritation if ingested.

How to identify it

Needles are sharp and square shaped
Cones hang downward from branches
Symmetrical conical growth habit
Rough bark with small scales

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Science

Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Picea
Order: Pinales
Class: Pinopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Keep your spruce growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 27, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.