genus Picea sitchensis , ordinarily known as the Sitka Spruce , is part of the Picea genus in the Pinaceae family , which include other coniferous tree like pines , fir , and larches . This species is mark for its tall stature , speedy growth rate , and the lineament of its Mrs. Henry Wood . The name “ sitchensis ” refer to Sitka , Alaska , where this tree was first described to science . It is by far the largest mintage of spruce and the fifth - largest conifer in the mankind , and the third - improbable conifer species .

The Sitka Spruce has a native range along the Pacific Coast of North America , stretch out from northern California through Oregon , Washington , British Columbia , and into Alaska . It ’s specially prevalent in the coastal temperate rainforests where it benefits from the moist , fogged shape , spring up from ocean level up to about 3,000 feet in elevation . This range of a function makes it the most widely dispense spruce in western North America .

Historically , Sitka Spruce has been important for both indigenous peoples and later settler . Native American tribes used its wood for constructing canoes , homes , and tools due to its strength and lightweight nature . With European liquidation , its use expanded significantly , especially for shipbuilding , aircraft building during World War II ( due to its splendid strength - to - weighting proportion ) , and later for melodic instruments like guitars and fiddle because of its evocative qualities . The tree ’s ecological importance in the coastal ecosystems , leave habitat for numerous species , has also been recognized , lead to its protection in various natural reserves and park .

Sitka Spruce is adapt to USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 8 , reflecting its preference for the mild , wet winters and nerveless summers of its native coastal range . Its lifetime can be quite telling , often living between 500 to 700 years , with some specimen potentially reaching up to 1,000 year in optimal precondition . This length of service is supported by its power to raise in harsh , twist - swept environment and its opposition to many diseases that impact other spruce .

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis): Characteristics

Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis): Cultivation

Site Selection

Choose a internet site with full sunshine to partial shade , mimic its natural coastal habitat . It expand in areas with gamey humidity and modest mood , preferably near water sources .

Soil Preparation

Prefers deep , moist , well - drained , acidic soils but is adaptable to a image of territory types as long as drain is adept . ameliorate soil with organic matter if necessary to improve richness and wet retention .

Planting

Plant in spring or surrender . savvy a hole twice as all-embracing as the source ball but no profoundly , ensuring the base collar remains at ground level . distance tree diagram 15 to 20 fundament apart for future growth .

Watering

Water good after planting to establish roots . Once establish , it ’s comparatively drought - tolerant but benefit from regular watering in dry spell , especially in its first few years .

mulch

practice a layer of organic mulch like bark or Sir Henry Joseph Wood chips to retain soil wet , suppress smoke , and keep the dirt cool . Keep mulch away from the automobile trunk to prevent putrefaction .

fertilisation

inseminate sparingly ; too much can moderate to excessive ontogenesis , making the tree prone to fart damage . Use a balanced , slow - passing plant food in early spring if the dirt is very poor .

Pruning and Maintenance

Minimal pruning is call for beyond removing dead or damaged branches . Prune in late wintertime or early leaping before new increase starts . Be mindful of its possible height when considering its positioning .

Pest and Disease Management

broadly speaking hardy , but watch for spruce aphids , spruce budworm , or fungous disease like solution rot in overly fuddled shape . Ensure right strain circulation and avoid overwatering .

generation

circularize by seeds , which require stratification ( a period of frigidity to break dormancy ) or by cut . Seeds can be sown in the fall or stratify for leap planting .

Winter Care

In its native compass or interchangeable climates , no extra wintertime care is demand . However , in stale or windier locations at the edge of its hardiness range , consider air current security or snow load direction for young Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .