Norway spruce
Scientific name: Picea abies
The Norway spruce was introduced into the UK from Scandinavia in the 16th century. It is familiar to us all as the 'original' Christmas tree and displays hanging, reddish-brown, oblong cones.
Species information
Statistics
Height: up to 40mConservation status
Introduced, non-native species.
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
The Norway spruce is a tall, evergreen conifer, originally from Scandinavia that was introduced into the UK in the 16th century. Familiar to us all as the traditional 'Christmas tree', the Norway spruce is a common sight across the UK's landscape, cultivated in plantations for the Christmas tree market and for timber products.It is pyramidal in shape, displays needle-like, pointed leaves, and has large, cigar-shaped cones that open their 'scales' to release the seeds inside. Individual trees can grow to 40m.