Black Spruce are native to almost all of Michigan, except for a few southern counties.  There are naturally occurring populations in Washtenaw County.  Black Spruce are found at the edges of bogs and swamps in southern Michigan, but they can be found in more varied habitats as you go north in the state.

Black Spruce are easily identified by their very narrow growth habit.  They are best used for a tall narrow evergreen screen in low wet areas.  It’s always wise to plant a stand of mixed species, so consider a screen of Black Spruce and White Cedar for an evergreen screen or forest in that low, wet area of your property.

Black Spruce trees provide winter shelter for many animals and their seeds are eaten by a variety of bird species including chickadees, nuthatches, crossbills, grosbeaks and pine siskins.