Species PlantsWhite Spruce

White Spruce

Picea glauca

CommonPlant
Illustration of White Spruce (Picea glauca)

White Spruce is one of the most widespread boreal trees in North America, ranging from Newfoundland to Alaska and forming vast forests across Canada. It produces abundant cones that are a critical food for red squirrels, which cache thousands annually as their primary winter food source. Crossbills depend on it in winter when cone crops are good.

Habitat
Boreal forests and forest-tundra transition zones across northern North America
Diet
Cones are primary food for red squirrels; also eaten by crossbills and siskins
How common
Common

Best time to see a White Spruce

The best time to see a White Spruce is May–September, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,797 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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