Norway Spruce Habitat
- As its name suggests, the Norway spruce originated in Northern Europe, in the Balkan mountains, Carpathians and European alps. It still grows there and is found primarily at high altitudes. In northern Russia, its range overlaps with the Siberian spruce. According to the USDA Forest Service, the Norway spruce is also sometimes called European spruce.
- According to the USDA Forest Service, the Norway spruce has been introduced all over the world, starting with the British Isles as early as 1500. This tree is especially common in North America, as far north as southeastern Canada and the northeastern US and as far south as Ohio. It can also be found in the Rocky Mountain states and on the Pacific coast.
- The Norway spruce prefers moist, slightly acidic soil and high humidity. This tree prefers full sunlight. It does not do well in very warm areas, and it is capable of tolerating severe winter cold. The Norway spruce can grow in adverse soil conditions and requires very little water. It also resists pollution and has good survival rates when transplanted.
- The Norway spruce's ability to adapt to varied habitats makes it an excellent tree for forest replacement. This tree grows quickly and can establish itself easily, even in areas deforested by logging or fire. The wood itself is also useful because of its straight, fine grain and ease of work. According to the Ohio Public Library Information Network, these features have made the Norway spruce an important commercial tree.
- Despite this tree's adaptability, it is the subject of concern. Norway spruce in Europe exhibit a set of symptoms, including thinning crowns, magnesium deficiency and needle yellowing, which threaten the health of these trees. Some trees in the United States have also displayed these problems. Current explanations for the problem include excessive air pollution in the trees' habitat, depleted and acidified soils, and toxic metal contamination.