Sitka Spruce

Picea Sitchensis

Pinaceae (Pine family)

Sitka Spruce is the Alaska state tree, it's also largest species of tree in the state. It is found along middle to low elevations along the pacific coast, stretching from Alaska to California. They can grow up to 160ft, with a diameter of 5ft. The Sitka Spruce is closely related to the white spruce found in the interior. The two trees frequently hybridize, creating what’s known as the Lutz or Roche Spruce.

Leaves: Needles can be bluish-green or yellowish-green, growing up to 1 inch. The needles are sharp and stiff. One way of identifying a Sitka Spruce is to grab the needles; because the needles point out of every side of the branch grabbing it will hurt.

Cones: 2-3 ½ inches long; cylindrical, reddish-brown color. Cones open and fall when they become mature.

Bark: Less than 1 inch thick, grayish brown color.

Preadators: The Sitka Spruce is host to a number of insects including White Pine Weevil, Spruce Aphid, Spruce Beetle and Root-Collar Weevil. The tree is also damaged by Squirrels, Deer, Bear, Porcupines, rabbits and hares.

Native Alaskans believed the sharp needs of the spruce gave it strong protective powers against evil thoughts. The bark was eaten or made into cakes mixed with berries. The Makah ate the raw shoots. The shoots are a good source of vitamin C. The Nuxalk used the inner bark as a laxative. The pitch was used to treat skin irritations, colds, syphilis, gonorrhea, sore throats, toothaches, rheumatism and swelling. The roots of the Sitka spruce were used to make hats and baskets.

Sitka Spruce wood is very strong, and makes a high quality lumber. The wood is considered valuable and used for ladders, pianos, oars, guitar faces, and turbine blades for energy conversion; boats, mast, and construction components of experimental aircraft.

Resources:

Plants of The Pacific Northwest Pojar & Mackinnon

USDA Forest Service

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/Volume_1/picea/sitchensis.htm

Alaska Division of Community Advocacy

http://www.dced.state.ak.us/oed/forest_products/forest_products5a.htm

Borealforest.org

http://www.borealforest.org/world/trees/sitka_spruce.htm