
Black Hills Spruce 

ae 
Snow has blown down from the wings of night. 
Trees grow majestic in their ermine. The young 
Spruce is a princess, clothed in alabaster and ebony 
Black Hills Spruce 
(Picea canadensis albertiana) 
HE Black Hills Spruce is hardiest of all Spruces—symmetrical, 
compact and bushy in habit of growth; in fact, the very smallest 
trees soon form round, sturdy, compact bodies. As the tree grows 
and develops, it continues to carry this particular style of growth and 
generally becomes the most compact-growing specimen of the Spruce 
family; even in old trees the lower branches are retained, thus forming 
a close ground cover. 
The foliage varies from green to bluish tint, and all trees are re- 
markable for their bright, fresh color. 
When fully matured, it reaches 25 to 40 feet in height and requires 
10 to 12 feet for spread of branches. For this reason it is used mainly 
for individual specimens, for backgrounds, borders and in places away 
from buildings. However, as it is a slow grower, it can remain in close 
quarters for several years and is often seen in foundation plantings 
and similar places. Situations should be selected which provide sun 
at least part of the day. 
Spruces comprise one of the most important genera of Evergreens 
for planters in the northern part of the United States. 

A winter’s drive through Highland Park in Rochester, New York, is no less interesting than the same road in summer. It is winter that makes us 
appreciate evergreens. When other trees have lost their leaves and stand shivering in the cold and snow, the warm green colors of the evergreens 
give cheer and color to the winter landscape. 
