Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Spanning the Pacific coast, from California to Alaska is the Sitka spruce – known for its yellowish-green or blueish-green spiky needles. This quality is what makes it so deer-resistant, the perfect conifer for properties with a lot of deer traffic. As a sapling it’s slow growing but rapidly picks up the pace eventually reaching about 200 ft into the canopy, with a potential lifespan of 700 or 800 years. This evergreen tree provides year-round habitat for birds and other critters, which is especially important in the winter months. This tree is usually found in moist to wet environments and can withstand sun to partial shade.
Pre-order Sitka Spruce from KCD’s Native Plant Sale while supplies last!
Rosie McGoldrick, AmeriCorps Education & Events Specialist
Sources:
USDA Picea sitchensis (Bong (usda.gov)
Jim Pojar, Andy MacKinnon: Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast 2004
Featured photo: Own Work-Roland Tanglao CC by 2.0