How to identify spruce trees (Picea spp.)

Learn some quick tips to identify spruce trees (Picea spp.) To learn more, check out The Morton Arboretum's online, on-demand class on Basic Tree ID at www.mortonarb....

[@princehorselover9706]

Loved that...the 5 S's 👍 And cones hang downward. I'm wanting to learn more since I love trees so much. Aspens and Weeping Willows are my faves. Thanks! 💜🌲🌴🌿🍁🍂

[@treelearning]

Glad you enjoyed the video! You might like the "tree and plant" selector on The Morton Arboretum website: mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/

[@princehorselover9706]

I'm currently watching Season 10 of the show 'Alone' (I just love nature survivalists) and one of the women (Jodi from Wyoming) got blisters on her hands and a cut from building her shelter from trees and it's mentioned that the resin that 'Spruce' trees produce when damaged has antibacterial properties and can help close wounds. Isn't nature just amazing and beautiful? ☺ Can't wait to watch more of your videos 🙂🌲🌿

[@treelearning]

That's really interesting! You might also want to check out the University of Vermont's webpage on Native American's use of spruce for medicine: libraryexhibits.uvm.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/uvmtrees/white-spruce-introduction/white-spruce-uses

[@huskiefan8950]

Almost every tree id video im finding on KZbin does not look at or cover YOUNG trees, the significance being that a lot of characteristics of bark shape seem to not show up until the tree has matured some. (Sighs in frustration) maybe im wrong.....

[@treelearning]

Hi, that is a great point! In some cases, the bark on mature trees can be very different from the bark on young saplings, which is another reason it is important to always look at multiple characteristics such as leaf shape, flowers, fruits, habitat, etc. when trying to identify any plant. Hope that helps!

[@raphlvlogs271]

are they fire resistant?

[@treelearning]

That's a great question! The most fire-resistant trees tend to have thick bark and have evolved in areas prone to fires, like bur oak in tallgrass prairies. Since spruce bark isn't that thick, they are probably not particularly fire resistant, but you might be interested in this article from the USDA on the fire resistance of various conifers: www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/pdfs/other/FireResistRegen.pdf