Most talked-about tree
Photos: Arne Ader
Translation: Cax
Spruces in snow
Norway spruce Harilik kuusk Picea abies
Birch is the tree that shows its life force at the Midsummer solstice, and so does the evergreen spruce show the image of life forces in the hibernating winter nature. We believe, and it is supported by lore, that it has been so even before the Christianity and Christmas arrived here in Estonia.
Norway or common spruce is the only spruce species here in Estonia, but it can be very variable in its properties, which ramblers in the woods have probably noticed. There are actually about 130 different forms, varieties and sorts. Most common are probably the chandelier spruce and snake spruce; other characteristics which are easy to notice are different shapes of the crown and the color of the bark.
The chandelier spruce of Mägiste
The tip of a spruce is almost always sharply pointed, which means, that a spruce is growing on in very old age, too. Over two hundred years old spruces are quite common in our woods.
Needles grow densely on the branches, indicating a shade-tolerant species (sciophyte). In scientific researches, comparing it with our other plant communities, the spruce has been shown to use the sun energy most efficiently.
The good news is, that this year the spruces have lots of cones, this happens every five or seven years.
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