Best Spruce Trees for Indiana

This post I will share the best Spruce trees to grow in Indiana (USDA Zones 5 and 6). This list does not include exotic cultivars and dwarfs. MANY people have over planted Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) throughout much of the Eastern US. In recent years Rhizosphaera Needlecast disease has decimated millions of Blue Spruce trees, and it is not recommended in landscaping anymore. However, there are still several other Spruce tree with good resistance to the disease that grow very well in Indiana.

LIST

1. Norway Spruce (Pice abies): Mostly pest and disease resistant, though unfavorable conditions and the first year after transplant can cause root rot, and disease issues. Other than that Norway Spruce grows extremely well and so vigorously, it's practically thought of as a native! These trees have been planted in the US since at least the 1800s. They grow 2'-3' per year when young, and mature to near 100' tall. In fact the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City is a Norway Spruce cut every year that ranges in height from over 70 ft to just under 100 ft tall.

2. Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca 'Densata'): This tree is the state tree of South Dakota. As you may have guessed already this genetically different wild form of White Spruce is native exclusively to the Black Hills of South Dakota. The tree is noticably different from White Spruce by having a smaller more compacted growth making it more desirable for landscaping. They mature to 30' tall (rarely 50') by 15'-20' wide. It is extremely cold hardy in USDA Zones 2-7. Tends to perform poorly in the deep south (zones 7b-8) where summer are extremely hot and humid, and winters are mild at best. My own experience and knowledge it has good resistance to pest and disease issues as well as Needlecast, though has been reported to not be fully resistant and will get it in unfavorable conditions. Definitely a go to choice over Blue Spruce for sure! It's needles start off dark green and mature to blue-green adding dense colorful foliage to the landscape.

3. Serbian Spruce (Picea omorica): It's arching limbs that reveal deep blue underside needles and deep green upside adds texture to the landscape. Very versatile and drought tolerant. More disease and pest resistant than other Spruces. Many cultivars exist on the market. Definitely a go to if you want a unique conifer! Typically matures to 40'-60' tall by 20'-25' wide. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-7.

4. Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis): This rare Spruce is a must have in "new" ideas. Booming in popularity in recent years this Spruce offer deep glossy green (non-prickly) foliage. Many neat cultivars exist adding "pizzazz" to the landscape. Typically matures to 50'-60' tall by 15'-25' wide. Hardy in Zones 4-7.