Norway Spruce
new growth and floweringPicea abies
Pinacea · coniferous tree · introduced
Last updated
Picea abies (Pinaceae) is a fast-growing evergreen conifer native to northern and central Europe. It reaches 40 to 60 feet in cultivation (taller in the wild), forming a dense pyramidal crown with drooping branch tips. Needles are dark green, stiff, and four-sided. Pendulous cones (4 to 6 inches) are the largest of any spruce species.
Norway spruce grows in full sun on moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Over 150 cultivars have been selected, ranging from dwarf bun forms to weeping specimens. The species is widely used for windbreaks, hedging, and Christmas trees. It is susceptible to spider mites, spruce gall adelgids, and needle cast diseases, particularly in hot, dry conditions. Hardy in Zones 2a to 8b.
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Field Observations
Peak Spore Production and Dispersal
Seedling Emergence - Postemergence Damping-off Risk
Uredinial Stage (Summer)
Crawler Emergence
+ 4 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Diseases: Regionally Documented (16)
Pests: Regionally Documented (15)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Norway Spruce has passed new growth and flowering (2398 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | new growth and flowering | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | new growth and flowering | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | new growth and flowering | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | new growth and flowering | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | new growth and flowering | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | new growth and flowering | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | new growth and flowering | — | — |
View full calendar (7 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| New growth flush BBCH 11 | — | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Pollen release BBCH 61 | — | Apr 1-Apr 30 |
| Pollen shed complete BBCH 69 | — | Apr 15-May 15 |
| Cone development BBCH 71 | — | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
| Cone maturity and seed shed BBCH 85 | — | Sep 1-Nov 30 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | — Observed | — |
| ● new growth and flowering BBCH 11/65 NOW | 2398 Observed | — |
Source: Field observation, Seattle, WA (Kubota Garden). Cultivar: 'Acrocona'. About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.
