
Dwarf Alberta Spruce 
Black Hills Spruce 
(Picea glauca densata) 
OR many years, the Black Hills Spruce has been a 
favorite among the green Spruces due to its com- 
pact and symmetrical growth, even in the very 
small trees. Trees only a foot or more in height have 
the same compactness and symmetrical form found in 
older specimens. This tree is considered to be a close 
relative of the White Spruce having developed its 
habit of compact and slow growth through long 
centuries of adverse growing conditions in the Black 
Hills. 
Its foliage varies from green to bluish tint. Some 
are remarkable for their blue color, but all are a bright 
fresh attractive shade of green or blue. 
When fully matured, trees will reach from 25 feet 
to 50 feet with a spread of branches 10 feet or 12 feet 
in diameter. 
Because of this attractive form, it is suitable for use 
as individual specimens, for backgrounds, screens, bor- 
ders, and windbreaks. It should not be used in founda- 
tion planting, although it is often planted with such 
purposes. It will remain small a number of years, but 
will eventually grow too large for such a use. It should 
be planted where it has sun most of the day. 
For several years the tree has been known under the 
name of Picea canadensis albertiana, but the new 
name, as recommended by Standardized Plant Names, 
1942 edition, is Picea glauca densata. 
This tree has been grown by the Hill Nursery for 
many years, and was first brought to the attention of 
planters by D. Hill, who first offered it in his catalogs. 
Dwarf Alberta Spruce 
(Picea Glauca Conica) 
NE of the most interesting oddities among Evergreens. It 
is of extremely narrow, pyramidal growth, thickly covered 
with short, close set twiggy branches and clothed in grass 
green leaves. It is unlike any other Evergreen, both in shape and 
general appearance so that it always attracts attention. 
The parent tree is in the Arnold Arboretum, at Jamaica Plain, 
Massachusetts. It was found in the Canadian Rockies at Lake 
Laggan in 1904, by Mr. J. G. Jack, of the Arnold Arboretum staff. 
Its annual growth is only one-half inch to one inch so that many 
years are required to raise the trees in the nursery. As it must be 
grown by small cuttings or grafts, at least ten to twelve years 
growth is represented in one to two foot trees. 
Some of the oldest trees in the country are about five feet high, 
still retaining their characteristic habits. 
It is perfectly hardy in this climate, but there is only one danger 
for which we must look out. If exposed to the south this little tree 
may be burned by the winter sun and winds. Snow which easily 
collects in the dense branches will, if melted by the sun, change to 
ice and have the effect of a lens. No serious damage will then re- 
sult, except a browning and shedding of some of the needles. It is 
advisable, therefore, to shade it toward the south during winter. 
This is easily done by fastening a piece of burlap to two stakes, 
setting at the south side of the trees. It prefers a partially shaded, 
rather moist location, and winter protection is then unnecessary. 
We can speak from experience as we have tested a group of trees 
on our own grounds for the last 20 years. 
Many planting uses suggest themselves for this little tree. For 
formal effect in terraces and gardens and rock gardens, it is proving 
of great interest and value. 
Dwarf Spruces 
There have been in cultivation at various times, and still to be found in 
many private collections in parks and arboretums, hundreds of curious 
dwarf varieties of Spruces. We have had 20 or more of these dwarf forms in 
the Hill Nursery, which we have propagated at various times. While they 
are of interest to anyone making a hobby of such items, they are of limited 
use. Our present offering of Dwarf Spruces consists of the Dwarf Alberta 
Spruce, described on this page, and the Nest Spruce shown on page 20. 

Black Hills Spruce 
