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Sitka Spruce

Picea sitchensis

CommonPlant
Illustration of Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

Sitka Spruce is the world's largest spruce species, reaching 300 feet, and the dominant conifer of Pacific Coast rainforests from northern California to Alaska. Its sharp, stiff needles make it uncomfortable to handle but provide nesting sites for bald eagles and marbled murrelets. The tree provides enormous volumes of food and habitat for coastal wildlife.

Habitat
Pacific Coast temperate rainforest from California to Alaska
Diet
Cones eaten by squirrels and crossbills; large crowns host bald eagle nests
How common
Common

Best time to see a Sitka Spruce

The best time to see a Sitka Spruce is March–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,518 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Sitka Spruce sightings near you

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