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Serbian SprucePicea omorika
The most graceful of all spruces, the Serbian Spruce offers thin arching branches with a slender straight trunk. The needles are light-green to blue-green with purple to cinnamon colored one and a half inch cones. Prefers a deep, moist, and well-drained soil. Plant in partial shade to full sun. Grows 50'-60' with a 25' spread. (Zones 4-7)
Hardiness Zones
The serbian spruce can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–7. View Map
Tree Type
This is an evergreen tree, keeping its foliage year-round.
Mature Size
The Serbian spruce grows to a height of 50–60' and a spread of 20–25' at maturity.
Growth Rate
This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.
Sun Preference
Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
Soil Preference
The Serbian spruce grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Attributes
This tree:
- Features flat, pointy, dark green needles that are up to 1" in length.
- Yields oblong or egg-shaped cones that are 1¼–1¾" long, have finely toothed scales and hang downward. They are purple when young but mature to a reddish-brown.
- Grows in a pyramidal shape.
- Tolerates most urban conditions but cannot tolerate salt.
Wildlife Value
While not particularly attractive as a food source, this tree provides protective cover for rabbits, deer and a variety of birds.
History/Lore
The Serbian spruce is native to southeastern Europe and was introduced around 1880.