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Sitka spruce

This tree is named after the old Russian capital of Alaska on Baranof Island and was introduced to Britain in 1831. It is also the worlds tallest growing spruce with heights of 60m recorded.

What other names does it have?

Generic nameSpruce
Latin namePicea sitchensis
Family namePine
Latin family namePinaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?It is a conifer
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?No, it is evergreen

Species description:

Average height20-60m

Leaf

DescriptionStraight, flattened and very spiny leaves. There are two bright blue-white bands beneath and narrower lines on the top of the leaves. Most leaves are arranged on the top of the shoot with very few beneath
ShapeNeedle
SizeUp to 3cm long
ColourBlue-grey
Leaf stalkNo stalk

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flowerOther
Fruit colourGreen then pale brown when ripe
Type of seed bodyCone
Seeds dispersed by
  • Wind

Bark and twig

Bark descriptionPurple-grey in colour with scaly plates
Twig DescriptionLight white-brown in colour and hairless

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?Non-native - commonly planted
Where is its natural range?Alaska to California near to the coast
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?Prefers damper areas and tolerates salt spray well.

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timberTimber and wood-pulp are the top uses of sitka and it is for these reasons that it has been planted all over the UK often in square blocks which stand out in the landscape. In fact it has been described as the most planted tree since the beginning of the 20th century.

Largest of the spruces

Shoots, leaf flat (left) and cone (right)

Flowers and cones

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

Collins Tree Guide