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For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

White spruce (Picea glauca) is a native conifer found throughout Canada and is characteristic of boreal forests. It can reach up to 20 metres in height and has a straight, slender trunk with thin, greyish, scaly bark. Its crown is dense and conical when young, becoming more irregular with age. The needles are stiff and slightly curved, measuring 12 to 20 mm in length, and are arranged spirally around the twigs. They release a resinous scent when crushed, and their bluish-green colour gives the foliage a silvery appearance. The cones are cylindrical and pendant, measuring 3 to 6 cm long; they are pale at first, then turn light brown at maturity, releasing small winged seeds. This hardy and cold-tolerant species grows in a wide variety of habitats, including mixed forests, lakeshores, bogs, and gravelly or sandy soils. Its shallow root system allows it to adapt to thin soils but also makes it sensitive to strong winds and prolonged drought.
Furthermore, white spruce is considered a keystone plant for biodiversity, supporting a great diversity of decomposer insects, pollinators, and caterpillars, while providing food and shelter for many species of birds and small mammals, including in urban environments where it supports local wildlife.

Medicinal and culinary uses
Young white spruce shoots and needles are used to prepare vitamin-C-rich infusions that help soothe sore throats and support the body during respiratory ailments. Needle infusions also act as a tonic and a decongestant. The young shoots are used to flavour syrups and craft beers, adding a fresh, slightly lemony taste. The resin, which is antiseptic and healing, has long been used to treat wounds and burns, or applied as a poultice to relieve muscle pain. It can also be chewed like gum for its resinous taste and to help calm a cough.

Ecological roles
White spruce plays a vital role in boreal and northern ecosystems. Its dense foliage offers winter shelter to many birds, including the golden-crowned kinglet and the boreal chickadee. Its cones provide food for squirrels, nuthatches, and several bird species. The seeds are also eaten by sparrows and other seed-eating birds, while the branches host lichens and mosses that shelter various invertebrates. This species contributes to soil stabilization in reforested areas and plays an important role in the carbon cycle and the resilience of boreal forests in the face of natural disturbances.

White spruce seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.