BLACK SPRUCE
Picea mariana
- also known as Bog Spruce, Eastern Spruce, Shortleaf Black Spruce, Swamp
Spruce
- "mariana" is derived from Maryland; the man who named the tree
felt that Maryland was the epitome of North America
UNIQUE FEATURES:
- small, shrubby tree
- branches short and sparse
- lower branches drooping in older trees
- a "crow's nest" is often formed by clustered uppermost branches
LOCATION:
- northern part of British Columbia
- low to medium elevations except in the southernmost parts of the region
- can survive in cold, nutrient poor sites
- can survive in poorly drained areas such as bogs and swamps
SIZE:
- up to 20 metres in height
- 25 cm in diameter
CONES:
- seed cones - small (less than 3 cm), purplish; can hang on tree for
several years
- pollen cones - dark red
NEEDLES:
- 4 sided
- short and stiff
- blue-green
- arranged in all directions along the twig or pointed upwards
BARK:
- thin, scaly
- dark greenish-brown, grey
WOOD CHARACTERISTICS:
- long fibres good for pulp
USES:
- modern - pulp for paper products such as facial tissues
- traditional - wood: fish traps, snowshoe frames, drying racks;
pitch/resin: chewed for pleasure, powdered on wounds
bcforestryinfo.com