Black Hills Spruce

The Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca densata) is a medium- to large-sized evergreen tree. It has a strong central leader with a dense, laterally ascending, branching habit that makes up a pyramidal- to conical-shaped canopy. The bark is ashy gray-brown and shallowly ridged with thin and flaky scales, although it is hard to see unless up close due to the dense branches. The foliage is needles that are individually attached and forest green to blue-green depending on climate. It has a shallow, wide spreading root system. 

The Black Hills Spruce was discovered growing naturally in the Black HIlls region of South Dakota. This variety differs from the White Spruce for its more compact, dense form and slightly slower growth rate. It is a great option as an evergreen conifer that will not spread out too much in the yard but will complement flowering spring blooms and fall foliage very appropriately. Also serves as a formal specimen. It is drought-tolerant and prefers full to partial sun and likes moist, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic.