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White spruce

Name: White spruce
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR2
Price: 5.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name White Spruce

Latin name Picea glauca

Quantity per packet Minimum 25 seeds

Its evergreen foliage protects wildlife year-round while helping reduce wind and stabilize forest ecosystems. White Spruce also contributes to carbon storage and long-term ecological restoration throughout Canada.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameWhite Spruce

Latin namePicea glauca

FamilyPinaceae

TypeTree

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 25 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0019

Product
description

White Spruce (Picea glauca) is an iconic native evergreen conifer of Canadian forests, prized for its exceptional hardiness, year-round blue-green foliage, and stately pyramidal form. Its dense evergreen canopy provides structure and color throughout every season, even in the depths of winter, making it a magnificent focal point for large landscapes, forest plantings, and ecological restoration projects. Widely used for reforestation and windbreaks, White Spruce is an outstanding long-lived tree for creating natural privacy screens, restoring forest habitats, and enhancing biodiversity. Its remarkable cold tolerance makes it one of the most dependable conifers for northern landscapes.

White Spruce is easy to establish when planted in the right location. It grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic sandy to loamy soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Over time, it develops a deep, resilient root system that helps stabilize the soil and withstand harsh weather conditions. Young trees benefit from regular watering during their first few growing seasons, while established specimens require very little maintenance. Once mature, this hardy native conifer withstands Canada's demanding climate with ease and remains attractive year-round thanks to its dense, evergreen foliage.

Beyond its ornamental value, White Spruce plays an essential ecological role by providing shelter, nesting sites, and food for a wide variety of birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects. Its cones produce seeds that are highly valued by wildlife, while its aromatic young spring tips can be harvested in moderation for traditional recipes such as spruce tip syrup, jelly, tea, and infusions. Planted alongside Paper Birch, Jack Pine, Shadblow Serviceberry, and other native species, White Spruce helps recreate diverse boreal forest ecosystems. With its exceptional durability, evergreen beauty, and immense ecological importance, Picea glauca remains one of the finest native conifers for reforestation, windbreaks, and large natural landscapes throughout Canada.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after soaking and cold stratification

Best time

Spring or autumn

Sowing depth3 mm

Spacing / density

4 to 8 m (13 to 26 ft)

Germination temperature18 to 20 °C (64 to 68 °F)

Germination time30 to 42 days

Propagation

Propagate primarily by seed after cold stratification. Forest nurseries also produce seedlings for large-scale reforestation projects.

Growing
method

Sow White Spruce seeds in autumn or spring after soaking and cold stratification. Plant the seeds about 3 mm deep in a light, well-drained growing medium kept consistently moist. Germination generally occurs within 30 to 42 days at 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F). Young seedlings thrive in bright light without excessive heat before being gradually acclimated outdoors. Once established, White Spruce becomes exceptionally hardy and requires very little maintenance, making it one of the finest native conifers for reforestation and northern landscapes.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Well-drained, slightly acidic sandy to loamy soil. This species adapts to many soil types provided they are not constantly waterlogged.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Moderate watering is recommended during establishment. Once rooted, White Spruce tolerates natural conditions well and only requires supplemental watering during prolonged drought.

Fertilization

A light application of compost in spring is sufficient to support the growth of young trees. Established specimens rarely require additional fertilization in healthy forest soils.

Care levelLow

In spring, monitor moisture around young trees and remove any winter-damaged branches. During summer, water during prolonged dry periods, especially throughout the first few years after planting. Apply organic mulch in autumn to protect the roots and reduce temperature fluctuations. Mature trees require very little maintenance. Throughout winter, the dense evergreen canopy provides valuable shelter for wildlife.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

50 cm (20 in)

White Spruce can be grown in a large container at least 50 cm (20 in) deep during its early years using a light, well-drained growing medium. This method is ideal for producing young trees for later transplanting or reforestation projects. Water regularly without allowing the soil to remain saturated, and protect the container from extreme freezing during winter. As this species matures into a large conifer, planting it in the ground is recommended for long-term growth.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

This majestic native conifer is an outstanding windbreak and provides valuable habitat for wildlife. Its exceptional longevity and extreme hardiness make it one of the best trees for reforestation and large natural landscapes.

Garden use

White Spruce is ideal for reforestation projects, windbreaks, large landscapes, and naturalized plantings. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round visual interest while offering shelter for wildlife. It combines beautifully with other native trees to recreate diverse boreal forest ecosystems, and its extensive root system helps stabilize the soil.

Bloom period

Small male and female cones appear in spring and develop into seed-bearing cones by late summer.

Flower colorReddish brown

Foliage colorBlue-green

Harvest

Cones harvested from September to October

Fruiting

Mature cones produced in late summer and autumn

Wildlife appealBeneficial wildlife

Size
and facts

Height15 to 20 m (49 to 66 ft)

Spread4 to 8 m (13 to 26 ft)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 2–6

Minimum temperature-50°C (-58°F)

Foliage typeEvergreen

Planting
partners

Good companions

Paper Birch, Jack Pine, Shadblow Serviceberry, Sheep Laurel

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Rockrose, Yucca

Recipe
and inspiration

The aromatic young spring tips can be harvested in moderation to flavor syrups, jellies, teas, and other traditional forest recipes. Their fresh resinous flavor is characteristic of Canada's boreal forests. Harvest the tender, pale green shoots in spring for the best flavor. Today, White Spruce is valued equally for its culinary traditions and its immense ecological importance.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow White Spruce seeds? +

White Spruce seeds are typically sown in spring after cold stratification or naturally in autumn. Cold stratification greatly improves germination.

Is White Spruce hardy in Canada? +

Yes. White Spruce is perfectly adapted to Canadian climates and withstands some of the coldest winters in North America. It is one of the most widely planted species for reforestation.

Can White Spruce tips be used in cooking? +

Yes. The tender spring tips can be harvested in moderation to make syrups, jellies, teas, and forest-inspired recipes with a fresh resinous flavor.

Does White Spruce benefit wildlife? +

Yes. White Spruce provides outstanding shelter for birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects, while its seeds are an important food source for wildlife.

What is White Spruce best used for in the landscape? +

White Spruce is ideal for windbreaks, shade, natural privacy screens, reforestation, and restoring native forest ecosystems. Its evergreen foliage provides beauty and ecological value throughout the year.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.