The black spruce, Picea mariana, is a type of evergreen tree that has certain characteristics that set it apart from other, similar trees. It has a very unique silhouette and unusual, four-sided needles. This tree typically grows in cold climates and often thrives where few other trees can survive, though in some places it can be found alongside of other coniferous trees such as balsam fir and white pine.
Named for the overall dark appearance of its needles, the black spruce’s Latin name translates loosely into “Maryland Pine.” This name was given to it by Phillip Miller, a botanist in the 1700s, who felt that Maryland characterized much of North America and was a good name to use to identify this tree. The only problem with the name is that the black spruce is not native to Maryland and does not normally grow there, so the name is rather misleading.
Black spruce grows very slowly, and it can take many years for a tree to develop to its full height of about 60 feet (20 m). Many of these trees stop well before that height, only reaching a maximum of about 50 feet (16.6 m). The crown of the tree is very distinctive, growing in a tall, narrow spike that reaches above the branches like a club. Cones of this tree are small and fairly round, and they may cling to the tree for several years before dropping to the ground.
Many black spruce trees live in and around areas that have very poor soil and drainage, such as bogs and swamps. They thrive on the acidic peat soil, though they are also found in upland areas well away from the wet, soggy peat bogs, and can be found growing in areas where thin, shallow soil covers gravel beds deposited by glacial activity. It may be found growing alongside of white spruce, and the two types sometimes even interbreed.
Black spruce trees are usually killed if they are exposed to any type of wildfire, but their seeds are lodged high in the trees and are usually not destroyed. After the fire has passed this tree is one of the first to reseed the area, helping to hold soil in place and to prevent erosion. As the trees grow they also provide cover for wildlife, and animals such as mink, squirrels, and muskrats are often able to return to their natural habitat. Moose also live in and among these trees, sometimes eating the saplings.
