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Identify the Spruce

Trees in the Pine Family - Pinaceae

By , About.com Guide

Englemann spruce

Englemann spruce

© C.J. Earle, Gymnosperm Database
A spruce is a tree of the genus Picea, a genus of about 35 species of coniferous evergreen trees in the Family Pinaceae, found in the northern temperate and boreal (taiga) regions of the earth.

Spruces are large trees and can be distinguished by their whorled branches and conical form. The needles of spruce trees are attached singly to the branches in a spiral fashion, each needle on a small peg-like structure called a pulvinus.

The Common North American Spruce

Leaves: persistent or deciduous, linear or needle-like.

Fruit: Woody cones.

Other Conifers:
| baldcypress | cedar | Douglas-fir | fir | hemlock | larch | pine | redwood |

ID Glossary

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