Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Red Spruce (Picea rubens)

Plantae>Coniferophyta>Pinopsida>Pinales>Pinaceae>Picea rubens Sargent

Red Spruce (Picea rubens)

In North Carolina Red Spruce grows only on the highest mountain peaks, frequently in association with Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri). The leaves differ from those of fir and hemlock (Tsuga) in that they are needle-like, not flat, and they differ from those of pines (Pinus) in that they are four-sided and borne singly instead of in bundles.

Developing female cones.

Mt. Rogers, Grayson Co., VA 5/28/06.

Red Spruce (Picea rubens)

Male cones.

Mt. Rogers, Grayson Co., VA 5/28/06.

Red Spruce (Picea rubens)

Large tree.

Mt. Rogers, Grayson Co., VA 5/28/06.

More information:
Bioimages
Conifers.org
USFS Silvics Manual
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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