Nest Spruce 
(Picea excelsa nidiformis) 
T WAS found in cultivation near Ham- 
burg, Germany, and described in 1906 as 
“a round plate-like, fan-forming form 
with a dense nest-like mass of branchlets 
Vie a ai 
such extra dense form, and so densely 
branched that one wonders how the light ever 
gets to the lower branches. Branchlets grow 
where the leading shoot should be. 
in tight layers, the whole forming a dense im- 
penetrable head. It grows slowly, 34 inch to 
134 inch yearly. Ultimate size is a matter 
dependent entirely upon conditions. 


“WITCHES-BROOMS” 
Many dwarf forms of Spruce have originated from 
sports on branches of an otherwise normal tree. Most 
people have noticed these curious nest-like conglomera- 
tions of branchlets that occur at times on trees and 
are familiarly known as “witches-brooms.” These are said 
to arise from several causes, such as insect irritation or 
sap constriction. It has been found that cuttings or grafts 
taken from such growths, produce plants similar to the 
broom—“Dwarf and Slow Growing Conifers,” Horni- 
brook. 
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Norway Spruce Foliage (1/ natural size) 
Norway Spruce 
(Picea excelsa) 
HIS Spruce is very likely more familiar, at 
least to persons in northern and eastern 
states, than any other of the old Evergreens. 
It has been planted for so many years, and so ex- 
tensively, that it is looked upon almost as a na- 
tive tree. Its tall, drooping, dark, somber green 
color is a familiar sight on country roads, in old 
cemeteries, and around farm homes. This tree 
together with the Larch and Scotch Pine com- 
prised the first planting made in the Hill Nursery 
in 1855. 
The Norway Spruce is the common native 
Spruce of northern Europe. It is found in Russia, 
Scandinavian countries, Germany, and elsewhere. 
Because of its wide distribution, there is some 
variance in the characteristics of trees from dif- 
ferent localities. Generally seed collected from 
northern sources produces the most satisfactory 
trees. 
It is a thoroughly hardy, robust, and thrifty 
tree, which grows rapidly, and under favorable 
conditions reaches very old age. It thrives on 
both damp and high ground, and is a great fav- 
orite for windbreaks, shelters, screens, and Christ- 
mas Trees. It will doubtless remain for genera- 
tions to come one of the most familiar sights in 
American landscapes, particularly in the central 
states. It still is the largest selling Spruce. 

Nest Spruce 
