Picea orientalis
Oriental spruce is an evergreen tree native to the Caucasus which thrives in cool climates and high elevations.
Location
One oriental spruce can be found at the Lovell Street entrance of the arboretum.
History at Hadwen
Hadwen planted oriental spruce among the many conifers he cultivated, drawn to “their symmetrical forms and the diverse hues of everlasting green.” He said that “the Oriental Spruce is a charming tree, differing from the other spruces in its compact form and short, dark, and attractive foliage.”
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Detailed Species Information
Oriental spruce, also known as Caucasian spruce, is an evergreen coniferous tree in the family Pinaceae, native to the Caucasus and northeast Turkey. This large coniferous tree typically reaches over 100 feet (30 meters) in height. The branches of the tree reach upward, and the tree has the soft conical shape typical of many spruces. The bark is light brown and scaly in texture. The leaves are short green needles that form dense foliage year-round. Both the male and female cones are red when young and turn brown with maturity.
The tree prefers cool climates and can often be found at high elevations in large stands. Often growing in rocky or mountainous areas, the Oriental spruce can tolerate poor soil quality and low moisture once mature. The Oriental spruce is an important lumber source in construction and carpentry and is often cultivated for use as Christmas trees. The Oriental spruce is a popular ornamental tree in the United States and Europe due to its attractive foliage, narrow form, and tolerance to varied soil conditions.