Pica abies (Norway Spruce)

Common Name: Norway Spruce

Pica abies, more commonly known as Norway Spruce, has a triangular appearance, with a pointed crown. The young bark is a coppery grey-brown and appears smooth, but is rough with papery scales. Mature trees (over 80 years old) have dark purple-brown bark, with cracks and small plates. Twigs are orange-brown, grooved and hairless. Needle-like leaves are square-shaped and pointed, with fine, white speckled lines and a rich, sweet smell.

Male flowers consist of clusters of stamens, which turn from red to yellow in spring when laden with pollen. Female flowers are red, upright and oval, and tend to form at the top of the tree. Once pollinated by wind, female flowers turn green and enlarge to become red-brown cones with diamond-shaped, rounded scales. Seeds are released in spring.

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