Wood: This
spruce is the major introduced spruce used in reforestation in eastern Canada
and also in adjacent parts of the US, where it grows more rapidly than the
native species. The wood is similar to that of the white
spruce (P. glauca) which is light and soft but strong for its
weight and is used for pulp, boxes, crates and lumber. This species is one
of several spruces selected for use as sound boards of violins, guitars
and other stringed instruments due to its resonance characteristics. Stradivarius
reportedly used Norway spruce that had previously been used as ship oars
for constructing his violins. Burgundy pitch, the resin from the bark, is
used for varnishes and in medicinal compounds.
Wildlife: A variety of wildlife use the Norway spruce as cover, and grouse and crossbills eat the seeds.
