APPEARANCE
The hybrid white spruce is a mixture of white spruce and Engelmann spruce. It grows up to 40 metres tall and has large branches and a narrow top. The needles are square and pointy and the cones are smooth and purplish. The bark is scaly and grey-brown.
RANGE & HABITAT
This tree is found throughout the central interior of B.C.
LIFE CYCLE
The seeds start sprouting from May to the end of August. These trees can live for over 100 years.
ANIMAL USES
Squirrels collect the cones to store for winter food.
TRADITIONAL USES BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
The young trees are used to make snowshoes and bows. The sap of the tree can be used for glue for arrowheads and bows, and wound dressings. The bark is used for making baskets, pots, and trays, and the roots provide the material for coiled and woven baskets and sewing.
OTHER USES
The wood is used for lumber, especially in construction and musical instruments.
STATUS
COSEWIC: Not at Risk
CDC: Yellow
MORE INFORMATION
Photo: homeredwardprice
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