Sitka Spruce

The Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is a large evergreen tree growing to 50-70 m tall, exceptionally to 96 m tall, and with a trunk diameter of up to 5 m. It is by far the largest species of spruce, and the third tallest tree species in the world (after Coast Redwood and Coast Douglas-fir).

Uses

Sitka Spruce is of major importance in forestry for timber and paper production. It is also known for its high strength to weight ratio and regular, knot free rings, which make it an important material for homebuilt aircraft. Outside of its native range, it is particularly valued for its fast growth on poor soils and exposed sites where few other trees can be grown successfully; in ideal conditions young trees may grow 1.5 m per year. It is naturalized in some parts of Britain and New Zealand, though not so extensively as to be considered an invasive weed tree.

Related Topics:
Forestry - Timber - Paper - Homebuilt aircraft - Britain - New Zealand - Weed

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Newly grown tips of Sitka Spruce branches are used to flavor spruce beer.

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