Name
Black Hills Spruce (T)
Scientific Name
Picea glauca var. densata
Wildlife Value
Good
Average height
40'
Origin
Non Native
Shade Tolerance
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
Good
Growth Rate
Slow
Fruit
Cones located on ends of branches
Special Characteristics
.75" Needles
Seedling Size 
4" to 8"
 
 
 
General Description
A large tree, very dense and pyramidal when young. Black Hills Spruce is a naturally occurring variety of white spruce native to South Dakota. Better adapted than White Spruce (Picea glauca) which is native in the eastern United States, as far west as Minnesota.
 
Pests
Common diseases include Lirula needle blight. Common insect pests include spider mite, spruce needle miner, pine needle scale, yellow-headed spruce sawfly, and aphids.
 
Uses
Medium to tall conifer for farmstead and field windbreaks. Browsed by mammals. Nesting site for birds. Makes a good winter cover. Wood - Used for dimension lumber, pulpwood and Christmas trees. Good yard or ornamental tree. Used singly or in group plantings in recreation areas and public grounds.