Picea glauca 'Densata' - Black Hills Spruce

The Black Hills Spruce is a subspecies of Picea glauca (White Spruce). It was originally discovered in the Black Hills region of South Dakota and Wyoming. 'Densata' is a long-lived tree, with a life expectancy of 150+ years (when in the right environement). It's also smaller in stature to the species, with a maximum mature height of approx 30'-40'. Record Black Hills Spruce stand in excess of 80' tall, but it's unlikely this result can be achieved in a suburban residential lot or commercial property.

Though many Spruce prefer to grow in soils that are a bit moist, the author of this page has found Black Hills Spruce to prefer dry, quickly draining soils. Heroic attempts were made to remove the moistness around a Black Hills Spruce that was rapidly declining in clay soils. Those efforts were a success but demonstrated the sensitivity of this tree to excessive moisture in the soil.

The needles of this conifer begin as a bright green when the buds first break and slowly mature into the bluish glaucous color of needles that are more than one year old. Though it's often listed as a slow grower, it's been observed growing in excess of 12" per year. The usually dense growth of this conifer makes it both an excellent wind break and a haven for wildlife, birds in particular. Cones most often appear on the top branches of the tree and are 2"-3" long.

Like most other Spruce, planting when the buds are broken (like those pictured) is not recommended; before buds have broken or after new growth has hardened off (before May or after June) are usually the best times to plant the Black Hills Spruce. Maintaining shape of this conifer can be achieved through the pruning of new growth candles. Renovation pruning is not recommended as it's unlikely the tree will be able to regain it's original form.

Other ornamentally valuable Spruce include:

Picea abies 'Cupressina' - Columnar Norway Spruce - Dark green needles on densely branched, narrow tree provides an excellent screen where height is needed but there's little room for horizontal spread.'.
Picea pungens Colorado Spruce - A species from which many cultivars have been created. The species will grow 40'-60' tall and most often recognized as having blue foliage, the foliage may also be green or silver.

Plant Specifications

Areas of Growth:
USDA Zones 3-6

Plant Size:
Height: 30'-40'
10'-15'

Plant Needs
SunWater

Growth Rate:Soil Type:

Foliage Color
SummerFall

Bloom
ColorTime

Other Information
Screen Plant
Specimen Plant
Fragrant Foliage