Red Spruce is the signature conifer of the high Appalachians, forming dense boreal forest islands atop the highest peaks from Maine to North Carolina. It suffered severe decline in the 1980s from acid rain but has recovered somewhat with air quality improvements. The endangered Bicknell's thrush breeds almost exclusively in red spruce forests above 3,000 feet.
Best time to see a Red Spruce
The best time to see a Red Spruce is May–October, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 5,228 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Red Spruce? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Red Spruce sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Red Spruce?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.