Western White Spruce
Picea glauca
Last reviewed: July 2026
Picea glauca (White Spruce) is a hardy evergreen conifer native to northern regions including Maine. This adaptable tree tolerates various moisture conditions and produces small cones rather than showy flowers.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Western White Spruce as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
600"–2400" H × 240"–600" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 35 more states
Western white spruce is a large evergreen conifer that develops a classic pyramidal Christmas tree shape. This substantial tree provides year-round structure and screening but requires significant space to accommodate its mature size of 50-200 feet tall and 20-50 feet wide.
Growing Western White Spruce
Grow Western White Spruce in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 2400 inches tall and spread 240 to 600 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Western White Spruce is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Extremely large mature size may overwhelm typical residential lots
- Requires decades to reach full size
- May drop needles and small branches
Wildlife value
Provides nesting sites and shelter for birds, while seeds feed various wildlife including squirrels and songbirds.
Common questions
- Where is White Spruce naturally found?
- White Spruce is native across northern North America, including Alaska, Canada, and northern U.S. states like Maine, extending south in mountainous regions.
- Does White Spruce produce flowers?
- White Spruce produces small, inconspicuous male and female cones in late spring to early summer rather than true flowers. The species is wind-pollinated.
- What growing conditions does White Spruce prefer?
- White Spruce grows best in full sun to partial sun and tolerates a wide range of moisture conditions from wet to dry soils. It is very cold hardy and adaptable.
- Is Western White Spruce toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Western White Spruce as toxic to livestock.
- Is Western White Spruce HOA-friendly?
- Western White Spruce is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Western White Spruce? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz