Picea Sitchensis - Sitka Spruce

Picea sitchensis, commonly known as Sitka Spruce, is the largest of all spruce species and one of the most important commercial forestry trees in Europe and the USA. Introduced into Britain in 1831 by the plant hunter David Douglas, it originates from Alaska and thrives in areas of high rainfall.

Extremely fast-growing, it can grow up to 1 metre per year in suitable conditions and is capable of producing high-quality, usable timber in as little as 50 years.

The Sitka Spruce is not normally pruned. Remove damaged or diseased branches if required.

This is the size and type we sell:

Picea sitchensis Sitka Spruce 20–50cm Cell Grown

Professionally grown and suitable for forestry, shelterbelts, and large-scale planting projects.

Features & Benefits

Very fast-growing conifer

Largest spruce species in the world

Thrives in high rainfall and exposed locations

Excellent commercial timber value

Tolerant of wet, peaty soils and coastal sites

Provides important wildlife cover

Applications

Commercial forestry

Woodland creation

Shelterbelts and windbreaks

Golf courses and large landscapes

Coastal and high-altitude planting

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 9m height x 4m spread

After 20 years: 18m height x 7m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Picea sitchensis

Common Name | Sitka Spruce

Plant Type | Evergreen conifer

Growth Rate | Very fast

Mature Height | Up to 50–70m

Mature Spread | Up to 10m+

Soil Type | Wet, peaty soils preferred; tolerant of most except very dry, shallow soils

Aspect | Full sun

Hardiness | Fully hardy; tolerant of exposed, coastal, and high-altitude sites

Plant Size & Type | 20–50cm Cell Grown

Maintenance | Generally not pruned

Wildlife Value | Provides cover and nesting sites for Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Coal Tit, Siskin, Crossbill, and Tree Creeper