Tall and slender, with graceful upswept branches, the Serbian spruce is an elegant evergreen tree as a specimen in the landscape. It has glossy dark green needles with slender streaks of white and distinctive purple cones.
Botanical name:
Picea omorika
All common names:
Serbian spruce
Family (English):
Pine
Family (Botanic):
Pinaceae
Planting Site:
Residential and parks
Tree or Plant Type:
Tree
Foliage:
Evergreen (foliage year-round)
Native Locale:
Non-native
Landscape Uses:
Specimen
Size Range:
Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature Height:
50-60 feet
Mature Width:
20-25 feet
Light Exposure:
Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
Zone 4,
Zone 5 (Chicago),
Zone 6,
Zone 7
Soil Preference:
Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances:
Dry sites,
Alkaline soil
Acid Soils:
Tolerant
Alkaline Soils:
Moderately Tolerant
Salt Spray:
Intolerant
Soil Salt:
Moderately Tolerant
Drought Conditions:
Moderately Tolerant
Poor Drainage:
Intolerant
Planting Considerations:
Intolerant of pollution
Seasons of Interest:
early winter,
midwinter,
late winter,
early spring,
mid spring,
late spring,
early summer,
midsummer,
late summer,
early fall,
mid fall,
late fall
Flower Color & Fragrance:
Inconspicuous
Shape or Form:
Narrow,
Pyramidal
Growth Rate:
Slow
Transplants Well:
Yes
Wildlife:
Browsers,
Nesting birds,
Songbirds
More Information:
Serbian spruce (Picea omorika)
Tree & Plant Care
Best in moist, well-drained, organic soils, pH adaptable. One of the more adaptable spruce to urban environments. Grows best when sheltered from strong winds.