Picea Orientalis (Oriental Spruce): Winter Interest Feature

Spring’s arrival may still feel out of reach here in Central Pennsylvania, however, there are still many evergreen plants on display adding seasonal interest to your Arboretum winter walk!

Towering above some of its neighbors in the gardens, Picea orientalis, better known as the Oriental spruce, is one such conifer with year-round interest. Native to the misty slopes of the Caucasus and northeast Turkey, the pyramidical evergreen can reach 50 to 70 feet in height with a spread of about 15 to 25 feet. Its branches feature a dense collection of glossy, dark-green needles, shorter than many other spruce species (1/4–1/2’’ long).

Two cone variations are observed, including smaller, red pollen-bearing male cones and larger, purple seed-bearing female cones that eventually mature to brown. Generally, you will observe seed cones on the upper part of the tree and pollen cones on the lower part of the tree to reduce self-pollination. If you’re a cone collector, most of what you’ll be picking up for crafts or decorating will be female cones, as the more delicate male cones typically dry out and fall off the trees after shedding their pollen by the end of summer.

There may be some years when you don’t observe many cones at all and other years when there seems to be an explosion of cones all at once! Many conifers produce cones in a two-year cycle, with buds being produced the first year and mature cone formation following in the second. Environmental impacts are also influential on cone production. A particularly hot season with a prolonged period of drought, for instance, may lead to increased stress on many conifer species during the following season.

Several cultivars of the Oriental spruce exist, with a popular one being ‘Skylands.’ Introduced by Skylands Botanical Garden in 1979, this cultivar only reaches 10 to 35 feet in height. The striking chartreuse exterior needles appear bright yellow in the summer sun, slowly fading in color through the summer, although still retaining vibrancy year-round. This cultivar is especially showy when the needles contrast with the bright red pollen-bearing cones in the spring.

Another cultivar found at the Arboretum is the ‘Atrovirens.’ It has the same attractive dark green foliage as others in its species, but is set apart by its open shape and relatively fine texture. This specific cultivar was developed in Holland in the early 1900s.

Oriental spruce is best planted in full sun, although it is well adapted to cooler summers, and the needles can actually burn in hotter climates (USDA zones 4 to 7).  Additionally, some protection from harsh winter winds in northerly climates can be beneficial and can help avoid browning needles. Most spruce species are adaptable to many soil types as long as they are moist but well-draining. It is normal for spruce trees to shed some needles seasonally, especially on the tree’s interior, but significant needle drop can be a cause for concern. Some issues to watch out for when growing spruce trees include needle cast, bagworms, cankers, and spider mite infestations, which can affect new growth and overall health.

The Oriental spruce does have some commercial value, especially in Turkey where it is one of the most important tree species. Its high-quality wood is often used in the production of furniture and musical instruments, while other species are traditionally used as Christmas trees.  

You can find eight Oriental spruce specimens on display around the Arboretum, primarily in the Strolling Garden and fountain areas, and can search for them using the Arboretum Explorer tool!