Black Hills Spruce

The Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca var. densata) is a dense, slow-growing evergreen that is a cultivar of the White Spruce, native to the Black Hills region of South Dakota. It's a popular landscaping tree in North America, prized for its symmetrical shape, cold hardiness, and low maintenance.

Height: 30–60 feet (usually around 30–40 feet in home landscapes)

Spread: 15–25 feet Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (6–12 inches per year)

Lifespan: 80–200+ yearsForm: Dense, pyramidal; retains lower branches better than many spruces

Needles: Short (½–¾ inch), stiff, blue-green to dark green

Bark: Thin, grayish-brown, slightly flaky 

Cones: 1–2 inches long, cylindrical, light brown

Very cold hardy – thrives in harsh northern climates

Wind and drought tolerant once mature

Low maintenance and pest-resistant

Excellent for windbreaks, privacy screens, and foundation planting

Great wildlife habitat (nesting birds, cover for small mammals)