Knowledgebase

Do I have Black Spruce seedlings or White Spruce seedlings #935465

Asked June 14, 2026, 4:18 PM EDT

I have about 50 spruce seedlings and I cannot tell the difference. I tried distinguishing between the hairy vs non-hairy stem, needle sharp or round, and stem color to no avail. Good luck. I’ve attached some photos.

Lake County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.

Using three different conifer keys, I believe that the three images you sent us all depict white spruce (Picea glauca). Any apparent differences that appear among them might be attributable to their being different varieties. If so, it becomes quite difficult to determine things down to this level. Having said this, image 4886 may show the variety known as dwarf Alberta spruce.

The best way to distinguish between black spruce and white spruce is by the cones they produce. Black spruce has rather small, persistent cones that often are found near the tree’s top. White spruce has longer cones that hang down and are generally not clustered together. I realize, of course, that these three seedlings may not be developing cones any time soon.

Thanks for using our forum. Please get back to us with any further, related questions.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2026, 9:01 PM EDT

Loading ...