Black Hills Norway Spruce

Botanical Name: Picea glauca var. densata

Common Name: Black Hills Spruce

Mature Height and Width:
30–50' tall × 15–25' wide

Growth Habit: Dense pyramidal evergreen with strong central leader and uniform horizontal branching. More compact and fuller than standard white spruce. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description: Short dark green needles borne densely along branchlets. Foliage finer-textured and slightly shorter than Colorado spruce. Consistent deep green coloration without blue cast.

Flower Description: Inconspicuous; not ornamental.

Bloom Time: Spring (non-ornamental reproductive structures).

Fall Color: Evergreen; consistent dark green year-round.

Light Requirements: Full sun for best density and structure.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 2–6 (reliable in Northeast Zones 5–6).

Notable Landscape Uses: Windbreak planting; privacy screen; lawn specimen; shelterbelt tree; northern landscape evergreen.

Deer Resistance: Moderate to High
Generally resistant once established in Northeast Zones 5–7; young trees may experience occasional tip browsing.