Norway Spruce

Norway Spruce

Picea abies

Crossing the road and to the left of the path to the parking lot is a Norway Spruce. This tree is native to Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. It has branchlets that typically hang downwards, and the largest cones of any spruce, which can grow to almost seven inches long. The Norway Spruce is widely planted for its wood. It is one of the most economically important coniferous species in Europe. It used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. It is probably best known for its use as a Christmas tree. Every Christmas, the Norwegian capital city, Oslo, provides the cities of London, Edinburgh and Washington D.C. with a Norway Spruce as their way of expressing their gratitude for the aid these countries gave during the Second World War.