SEED- White Spruce for Windbreaks, Specimen and similar items

### White Spruce (Picea glauca) **For Windbreaks, Specimen Tree, Bonsai, and Very Cold Hardy Evergreen** White spruce (Picea glauca) is a large, hardy evergreen conifer tree renowned for its adaptability and versatility. Native to the boreal forests of North America, it thrives from Alaska to Newfoundland and extends into the northern United States. It typically grows **50 to 100 feet tall** in the wild, with a **spread of 10 to 20 feet**, but can be pruned and shaped for landscape use or even cultivated as a **bonsai**. #### **Native Range** White spruce is native to North America, predominantly in boreal regions. Its range spans from Alaska across Canada to the Atlantic provinces, extending southward into parts of the northern United States, such as the Great Lakes and northeastern regions. It is especially common in cooler climates. #### **How to Grow White Spruce** - **Soil:** Prefers well-drained, acidic to slightly alkaline soil but tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. - **Light:** Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. - **Water:** Requires moderate moisture. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during the first few years. - **Spacing:** Space trees **12 to 20 feet apart** when planting for windbreaks or landscaping. - **Fertilizer:** Feed annually in early spring with a balanced fertilizer if needed. - **Pruning:** Minimal pruning is needed. Remove dead, damaged, or crowded branches during the dormant season. #### **How to Start from Seed** 1. **Seed Collection:** Collect mature cones in late summer or early fall. Allow cones to dry and extract seeds. 2. **Stratification:** White spruce seeds require a cold stratification period to break dormancy. Place seeds in a moist medium (e.g., sand or vermiculite) in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate at 32?41F (0?5C) for **30?60 days**. 3. **Sowing:** Sow seeds shallowly in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Cover lightly with soil, as seeds require some light to germinate. 4. **Temperature:** Maintain temperatures around **65?75F (18?24C)** for germination, which typically occurs in **2?3 weeks**. 5. **Transplanting:** Once seedlings develop several sets of true needles, transplant them to individual pots or outdoors when conditions are favorable. #### **Growing White Spruce as Bonsai** White spruce is an excellent choice for bonsai enthusiasts due to its hardy nature and tolerance of pruning. 1. **Pruning and Styling:** Shape the tree using pruning and wiring. The tree?s natural form lends itself to upright or informal upright styles. 2. **Soil:** Use well-draining bonsai soil to prevent root rot. 3. **Watering:** Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. 4. **Repotting:** Repot every 2?3 years in early spring before new growth begins. Trim roots carefully. 5. **Winter Protection:** Protect bonsai from extreme winter winds and desiccation by placing it in a cold frame or sheltered location. #### **Other Interesting Facts** - **Cold Hardiness:** White spruce is extremely cold-hardy, thriving in USDA zones **2 to 6**, withstanding temperatures as low as **-50F (-45C)**. - **Wildlife Benefits:** Its seeds and needles provide food for various wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. - **Other Names:** It is also known as Canadian spruce, skunk spruce (due to the odor of crushed needles), cat spruce, Black Hills spruce, western white spruce, Alberta white spruce, and Porsild spruce. - **Wood Uses:** The wood of white spruce is valued for its strength and is used in construction, musical instruments, and pulpwood. - **Aesthetic Appeal:** The dense, pyramidal form and blue-green needles make it a popular choice for specimen trees and windbreaks. - **Cultural Importance:** Indigenous peoples of North America have traditionally used white spruce for building materials, medicinal purposes, and as a source of resin. With its resilience, versatility, and beauty, white spruce is an excellent choice for landscapes, windbreaks, or as a charming bonsai specimen. =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s Free shipping to Canada- and USA Selected seeds only Add this item to your cart and keep shopping-- at https://www.ebay.ca/usr/okiger-2i55iwk =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified. Some items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow. If you require tracking or a faster delivery please message before ordering. We try to ship any live plants on MONDAYS or TUESDAYS as a precautionary measure to avoid delays over the weekend and ensure the viability of live plant orders. Weather may be a contributing factor in the processing of our orders and will occasionally cause some delay. 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