Location

• The Black Hills Spruce gets its name from the Black Hills of South Dakota, where this spruce variety has been named the official state tree. Aside from South Dakota, the Black Hills Spruce is found throughout the entire northern United States and, to a lesser degree, in the central and southern parts of the country. The tree ranges from Maine west into Washington, Oregon and California, and from North Dakota south to northern and central New Mexico. It is also common in Canada and Alaska.
  
  

Description

• The Black Hills Spruce is conical in shape, being rounded with longer branches near the bottom and shorter branches at the top. The branches are more densely distributed than other varieties of spruce and contain green needles which, according to the Agricultural Department at North Dakota State University, are between 1/3 and 1/4 inch long and 1/16 inch wide. The tree produces brown cones between July and January. The cones are between 1 1/2 and 2 inches long and contain tan seeds. The bark of the Black Hills Spruce is ash-brown and flaky. The roots of the tree are set shallow in the ground.
  
  

Size and Growth

• According to ArborDay.org, the Black Hills Spruce grows to be between 30 and 60 feet tall, and at full maturity is anywhere from 15 to 20 feet wide. The tree is classified as a slow grower, which means it grows no more than 12 inches per year. As NurseryMen.com reports, in some cases the Black Hills Spruce can reach 80 feet in height, and can have a lifespan as long as 300 years.
  
  

Growth Conditions

• The Black Hills Spruce grows best in moist soil. According to the Agricultural Department at North Dakota State University, it can survive in soil of a pH anywhere between 4.0 and 7.5. The tree needs full sun for healthy growth, which due to its height, is generally not a problem. Because of its northern habitat, the Black Hills Spruce is adapted to cold temperatures and is resistant to winter weather. It can stand some drought conditions, though not as well as the Colorado Spruce can.
  
  

Uses

• The Black Hills Spruce is used ornamentally by people in yards and public parks. It is also a common Christmas tree variety, and is used as a windbreaker for some structures. Some birds are known to nest in the tree, and according to ArborDay.org, "the seeds provide food for songbirds, upland ground birds, small mammals, (and) the bark (serves as) food for porcupines."