Last spring we toured the Rhine country of Germany.  The majestic twin spires of the Cathedral of Cologne couldn’t help but remind me of the North Country of Minnesota.  In that cathedral of the Northwoods, the spires of Pices mariana (black spruce) soar skyward in quiet majesty. They are native to the northern Midwest and grow well throughout Central and Upper Minnesota.  They require full sun and are quite sensitive to shading. Black Spruce is a slow-growing conifer and prefers moist environments.  It is often found in bogs and other wetlands.  

Black Spruce vary in height depending on the environment, ranging from 15 to 50 feet in height, although some can push to 100 feet. The leaves are needle-like and seed cones are small, ½ to 1 ½ inches long, dark purple ripening to reddish brown.  They are produced in dense clusters in the upper crown, opening at maturity but persisting for several years.

 The roots of black spruce are shallow and spread widely. Consequently, the tree is susceptible to wind-throw.  Perhaps the most spectacular example was the 1999 July 4^th Boundary Waters Blowdown or derecho.

A number of cultivars have been developed for landscape use. The cultivar P. mariana ‘Nana’ is a dwarf form that has gained in popularity. If you are looking for one of these stately trees, they are hard to find in nurseries but can readily be grown from seed. They do transplant well. So, with a bit of patience, you can inexpensively generate a handsome stand of black spruce.

Photo Credits: Daniel Case, Wikipedia (1,2), Quetico Superior Wilderness News (3)