Picea mariana (Black Spruce)

Picea mariana (Black Spruce), is a coniferous evergreen tree that is native to northern North America. It is a member of the Pinaceae family and is one of the most important commercial timber species in Canada. 

Black spruce trees typically grow to be between 20-40 feet (6-12 meters) tall, with a trunk diameter of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm). They have a narrow, conical shape and their branches grow close to the trunk, giving the tree a dense appearance. The needles are short and stiff, measuring between 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2 cm) in length, and are a bluish-green color. The cones of black spruce trees are small, measuring around 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) in length, and are usually found in the upper branches of the tree. 

Black spruce trees are well-adapted to cold and harsh environments, and are often found in areas with permafrost, bogs, and other wetlands. They have a shallow root system and are able to withstand strong winds and heavy snow loads. In addition to their use as a commercial timber species, black spruce trees also play an important role in the ecology of northern forests, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

The black spruce cone is the tiniest of all the spruce cones. They are egg-shaped to practically spherical, with a length of 1 to 2 inches. They start out dark purple and become red-brown as they mature. The cones are formed in dense clusters in the top crown, and they open at maturity but last for years.