Dwarf Alberta Spruce Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Alberta Globe'

Names

• Synonyms

  Alberta White Spruce, White Spruce 'Conica', Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Alberta Globe Spruce.

• Common names

  Picea glauca 'Conica', Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Conica', Picea glauca 'Alberta Globe'

Toxicity

• To humans

  White Spruce is not commonly known as a toxic plant to humans. However, as with many plants, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities can occur. Typically, ingesting parts of this plant does not lead to severe poisoning. If ingested in large quantities, you might experience gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation. Avoid consuming this plant to prevent any possible adverse effects. Always seek medical advice if you experience symptoms after ingesting any part of an unknown plant.

• To pets

  White Spruce is not typically toxic to pets. However, ingestion could lead to minor gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if large quantities are consumed. Nonetheless, it is always best to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting parts of this or any other plants not specifically meant for their consumption. If you suspect your pet has ingested a considerable amount of this plant and is showing symptoms, consult with your veterinarian for appropriate care.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Height

  3 feet (0.91 meters)

• Spread

  3 feet (0.91 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Ornamental Appeal: Provides visual interest with its round, dense shape and bright green needles.
• Compact Size: Ideal for small gardens and spaces due to its dwarf nature.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once it's established.
• Hardiness: Exhibits tolerance to cold temperatures and can survive harsh winters.
• Year-Round Interest: Maintains its color and form throughout all seasons, adding consistency to the landscape.
• Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought.
• Pest Resilience: Generally resistant to common pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife.
• Soil Adaptation: Adapts to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained conditions.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Landscape Miniature: 'Alberta Globe' is often used in model train landscapes or miniature displays due to its dwarf, globe-shaped growth habit which mimics full-sized trees at a smaller scale.
• Bonsai: Though not traditional, 'Alberta Globe' can be trained into a bonsai form, offering a unique challenge for bonsai enthusiasts who appreciate conifer species.
• Winter Garden Focal Point: Due to its evergreen nature and distinct shape, 'Alberta Globe' serves as an attractive central piece in winter gardens when most other plants have lost their foliage.
• Photography Prop: Its unique form and texture make the 'Alberta Globe' a desirable subject for photographers, especially in macro photography to capture the details of its needles and form.
• Educational Tool: This plant is sometimes used in schools or botanical gardens for educational purposes to demonstrate plant growth habits, conifer characteristics, and climate adaptability.
• Topiary Framework: Enthusiasts of topiary sometimes use 'Alberta Globe' as a basic form to shape and train into more complex designs because of its dense foliage and slow growth.
• Festive Decoration: During the holidays, the 'Alberta Globe' can be decorated with lights and ornaments as a living outdoor Christmas display.
• Cultural Exhibits: 'Alberta Globe' may be included in cultural exhibits that focus on the flora native to certain regions of North America, particularly the northern parts where it thrives.
• Collectible Specimen: Plant collectors who focus on dwarf or unique conifer varieties might cultivate 'Alberta Globe' as part of their specialized plant collections.
• Aromatic Addition: Although not commonly noted for its scent, 'Alberta Globe' does possess the typical conifer fragrance which can lend a subtle, piney aroma to its surroundings.

Feng Shui

The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Resilience: The Alberta spruce is a hardy plant that can withstand cold climates, symbolizing the ability to endure challenging conditions.
• Longevity: With a long lifespan, the Alberta spruce represents endurance and the passage of time.
• Growth: As an evergreen, the Alberta spruce continuously grows, symbolizing personal growth and renewal.
• Peace: The soft texture and green hue of the Alberta spruce's needles can evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, representing peace and serenity.
• Protection: In folklore, evergreen trees like the Alberta spruce were thought to ward off evil and provide protection due to their year-round vitality.