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White Spruce

Picea glauca

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White spruce is a conical tree with a whitish cast. Branches turn somewhat downward at the ends, but branchlets and twigs are erect. White spruce is sometimes referred to as "Cat-piss spruce" because of the strong odor of broken needles. This specimen was found growing in the landscaped city park in Waltham, MA.

Needles are about 1/2" to 3/4" (1.25 to 1.75cm) long, usually with a whitish or bluish powdery tinge. The twig is very light in color. Broken needles have a strong foul smell resembling skunk or cat urine.

Cones grow mainly high in the tree and fall after ripening.

The bark of the White spruce is light in color and much smoother than other spruce bark.

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Unless otherwise specified, all text and images are Copyright (c) Peter Kenlan 2002. This page may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the author.