Columnar Norway Spruce

The Columnar Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is a medium-sized, columnar evergreen tree. Its form is quite elegant with a narrow canopy and densely branching limbs that grow horizontally to upright and are slightly curved. The foliage is dark green needles that turn to blue-green during the winter in its northern range. It is a fast-grower that is prized for its hardiness and ability to put up with snow loads far better than most columnar trees.

The Columnar Norway Spruce was discovered growing in the wild in the Thuringian Forest in Germany and was first recorded before 1904. It is coveted for its rapid growth rate, appealing form, and handsome blue-green mature foliage. This tree is a stellar option for screens or privacy borders planted in groups. It makes a fantastic backdrop for flamboyant flowering trees and fall foliage. It also does well standing on its own as a specimen. A very hardy tree, it can withstand winter temperatures of down to -40 degrees. Does best in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils.