Pronunciation
a-BEEZ bal-SAY-me-uh
Family
Genus
Nativity
Found in the northern United States, and in eastern mountains ranges. Rare in Virginia and West Virginia.
Growth Habit
Narrow, pyramidal habit in youth
Hardiness
3
Culture
Acidic, well-drained, yet moist soils and cooler climates. Prefers shade.
Facultative Status
Facultative
Landscape Use
Grows well in moist bogs and swamps, also nice evergreen so color year round.
Foliage
Evergreen, needles look suction-cupped to twig. Leaves are variable and horizontally arranged.
Buds
Buds are ovoid, resinous, and brown
Bark
Smooth except for resin blisters; reddish brown in color.
Flower
Male reproductive structure looks like a yellow catkin.
Fruit
Cones stand erect and shatter at maturity.
Propagation
Seed.
Pests
Spruce budworm, woolly adelgid, and cankers
