Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Coniferophyta – Conifers

Class Pinopsida

Order Pinales

Family Pinaceae – Pine family

Genus Picea A. Dietr. – spruce

Species Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière – Sitka spruce

A fast-growing, giant evergreen, reaching 250’ and 6’ in diameter, Sitka Spruce favors both freshwater and saltwater wetland areas where it often dominates.

It is found in a limited range along the Pacific coast from central Alaska to northern California and is very common in southern Alaska and northern British Columbia. Hardy USDA zones 6-7. It has found great popularity in Britain, where it has been introduced.

The stiff, sharp-pointed, 1” long, green needles grow from all sides of the twigs.

The 4” cones hang from the branches and have sharp scales.

The bark is similarly noted for its scales.

This species is valued for its light-weight timber, useful in making boats and musical instruments.