The Black Hills spruce (Picea glauca var. densa) is a variety of white spruce native to the Black Hills region of South Dakota and Wyoming. It’s valued for its hardiness and attractive appearance. Overall, the Black Hills spruce is valued for its hardy nature and aesthetic qualities, making it a versatile choice for various landscaping needs in colder regions.
Size and Shape: The Black Hills spruce is a medium-sized evergreen that typically grows to about 30 to 50 feet tall, with a spread of 10 to 20 feet. It has a conical shape with a central leader and a dense, compact form.
Needles: The needles are short, stiff, and sharp, measuring about 0.5 to 1 inch long. They are a rich green color, with a somewhat bluish or grayish tint that gives the tree a subtle but distinctive look. The needles are arranged radially around the branches.
Cones: The cones of the Black Hills spruce are cylindrical and 1 to 2 inches long. They start out green and mature to a light brown color. The cones are smaller compared to some other spruce species and hang down from the branches.
Bark: The bark is thin, grayish-brown, and smooth on young trees, becoming more scaly and rough as the tree matures.
Growing Conditions: Black Hills spruce is well-suited to cold climates and is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 6. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established and can handle a range of soil conditions, though it prefers acidic to neutral pH.
Uses: The Black Hills spruce is often used in landscaping for its dense foliage and attractive form. It’s popular for use as a windbreak, privacy screen, and specimen tree. It also serves as a good choice for Christmas trees due to its compact size and full appearance.
