Habitat:
Hardy from zone 2 to 6, this species can withstand extreme heat and cold
and a variety of soil conditions, although it prefers moist, loamy or alluvial
soils. It is found along streams and lake shores and adjacent rocky hills
and slopes. It is the first species to invade abandoned farmland in the
north, preferring full sun, but tolerating some shade.
Diseases: A few pests and diseases are common. The leaves may be prematurely shed due to various rust diseases; it is susceptible to trunk and root rot; and spruce bagworms, sawflies and red spiders can be serious insect pests.
Distribution: White spruce is the provincial tree of Manitoba. It grows at the Arctic tree line and is native from Alaska to Newfoundland, south to Montana, Minnesota and New York.
