Acrocona Norway Spruce Picea abies 'Acrocona'
ABOUT
The Picea abies 'Acrocona', commonly known as the Acrocona Norway Spruce, is a visually striking conifer that stands out in the landscape due to its distinctive growing habits and attractive features. This cultivar of the Norway Spruce showcases a dense, pyramidal shape with a somewhat irregular growth pattern that can add a unique, ornamental quality to the areas where it's planted. Its needles are short, sharp, and pointed, with a rich green color that provides a lush backdrop throughout the year. The needles are attached to the branches in a spiraling pattern that gives the branches a full appearance. One of the most eye-catching attributes of the Acrocona Norway Spruce is its exceptional cones. Unlike many other coniferous plants where the cones are often found at the top of the tree, Acrocona's reddish-purple cones are produced in clusters at the ends of the branches, even on young trees. As the cones mature, they turn brown and can stay on the branches for a long time, providing a display of color and texture that is both enchanting and unusual for a spruce. The bark of the Acrocona Norway Spruce is another feature that adds to its ornamental value. The bark is gray-brown and patterned with flaking plates, giving it texture and adding to the overall visual interest of the tree. In terms of its branching, this cultivar tends to have denser and more compact branching compared to the common Norway Spruce, allowing for a fuller silhouette which is often sought after for garden and landscape designs. Overall, the Acrocona Norway Spruce is highly valued for its unusual cone display, its dense, green foliage, and its uniquely shaped growth habit, which can bring a special character to gardens and landscapes without taking up a large amount of space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pinaceae
Synonyms
Acrocona Norway Spruce, Acrocona Spruce
Common names
Abies acrocona, Picea excelsa 'Acrocona', Picea abies var. acrocona.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Picea abies 'Acrocona' is Norway spruce. Generally, Norway spruce is not considered toxic to humans. They are commonly used for their timber and as Christmas trees, without notable issues regarding toxicity. However, as with many plants, individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to the needles or sap that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Ingesting parts of the plant is typically not associated with poisoning, but it is not advisable to eat plant material that isn't known to be safe for consumption. If a person were to experience symptoms after ingesting parts of the plant, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider.
To pets
The common name for Picea abies 'Acrocona' is Norway spruce. Norway spruce is not known to be toxic to pets. It is commonly used in landscaping and as Christmas trees, and there are no widespread reports of poisoning in pets from this plant. As with any non-food plant, ingestion of needles could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to mechanical irritation or the unusual nature of the material. If pets consume a significant amount of needles or plant material, monitoring for signs of intestinal blockage or distress is recommended and a veterinarian should be consulted.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to landscapes with its unique pendulous cones and dense, conical shape.
- Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage provides greenery throughout all seasons.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, requires relatively minimal care compared to other ornamental plants.
- Drought Resistance: Adapted to tolerate periods of low water availability after it's well-established.
- Soil Stabilization: Helps prevent soil erosion with its extensive root system.
- Cold Hardy: Resistant to cold temperatures, making it suitable for northern climates with harsh winters.
- Windbreak: Can be used in rows to reduce wind speed and protect vulnerable areas from strong winds.
- Privacy Screen: Dense foliage can be utilized to create living barriers for privacy.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The compact and dense growth habit of Norway spruce 'Acrocona' makes it a suitable choice for bonsai cultivation, providing enthusiasts with a unique, coniferous option.
- Due to its decorative cones which appear even on young plants, 'Acrocona' can be used in floral arrangements, especially during the fall when the cones are vivid and add a natural touch.
- The wood from 'Acrocona' can be utilized in creating small wooden crafts, such as ornaments and carvings, due to its manageable size for hobbyists.
- In landscaping, 'Acrocona' can function as a natural privacy screen in smaller gardens, where its dense foliage provides a green barrier throughout the year.
- 'Acrocona's unique, downward-pointing cones can inspire art projects, being used to create impressions and patterns in clay or plaster works.
- The dwarf nature of 'Acrocona' makes it a good candidate for creating themed miniature gardens, serving as "trees" in a scaled-down landscape.
- During the holiday season, 'Acrocona' can be used as a living Christmas tree alternative for small spaces, retaining its shape and appearance with minimal care.
- The tree’s texture and shape can contribute to sensory gardens, specifically designed to provide tactile experiences, especially appealing in educational settings for children.
- 'Acrocona' can be planted in containers on urban balconies and terraces, offering urban dwellers a touch of the forest in their limited outdoor spaces.
- The resilient nature of 'Acrocona' when facing cold climates makes it ideal for experimenting with outdoor garden sculptures using living plants in harsher regions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiNorway Spruce is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityNorway Spruce is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The common name of Picea abies 'Acrocona' is Norway spruce, which is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand cold climates, symbolizing the resilience and strength to endure tough conditions.
- Growth: As a fast-growing tree, the Norway spruce represents rapid growth and development, often associated with personal or spiritual expansion.
- Longevity: Norway spruces can live for hundreds of years, making them a symbol of longevity and eternal life.
- Protection: In folklore, spruce trees are believed to possess protective qualities, offering shelter and safety, hence symbolizing guardianship.
WaterThe Norway Spruce 'Acrocona' requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Young trees should be watered deeply once a week, supplying about 10-15 gallons of water to thoroughly soak the root zone. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but should still receive deep watering every 2-4 weeks if there isn't significant rainfall. It's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot; ensure that the soil allows proper drainage. During winter months, watering can be reduced, but ensure the tree is not going into the cold season with dry soil.
LightNorway Spruce 'Acrocona' thrives in full sun, with at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The best location for planting is in an area where the tree can receive unobstructed sunshine from morning to evening. Partial shade is tolerated, but the tree's growth and form may not be as robust. Avoid heavily shaded areas which can lead to sparse foliage and a weaker structure.
TemperatureThe Norway Spruce 'Acrocona' is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperature extremes. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable with summer temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions for 'Acrocona' will include temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season, which allows for optimal growth and health.
PruningNorway Spruce 'Acrocona' benefits from pruning to maintain its shape and health. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out crowded areas to increase air circulation. Pruning every 3-5 years should be sufficient, but yearly checks for problematic branches are recommended. The best time for larger pruning jobs is when the tree is dormant to minimize stress.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Norway Spruce 'Acrocona' is a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It should contain a mix of garden soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingNorway Spruce 'Acrocona' does not require frequent repotting as it is typically grown outdoors. If it is grown in a container, repot every 3 to 5 years with fresh soil to prevent nutrient depletion.
Humidity & MistingNorway Spruce 'Acrocona' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers a moderate humidity environment. Outdoor humidity is usually sufficient for its needs, as it is not a tropical species.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and avoid dry heat for Norway Spruce 'Acrocona'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and shelter from strong wind.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Picea abies 'Acrocona', commonly known as Acrocona Norway Spruce, begins its life cycle as a seed, often requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling grows through a juvenile phase, establishing its root system and a main stem. As it enters the vegetative stage, the Acrocona Norway Spruce develops branches and foliage, typically showing a conical shape that may be more pendulous due to the cultivar's unique characteristic of downward-sloping branch tips with abundant cone production, even on young trees. The tree continues to grow in height and width, reaching maturity when it begins to produce its own seeds contained within cones, usually between 5 to 10 years. This cycle of seed production carries on annually, with the tree capable of living and reproducing for several centuries. Eventually, it enters a senescence phase, where growth slows, and susceptibility to environmental stress and disease increases, leading to the plant's natural end.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Norway spruce 'Acrocona' is most commonly propagated through seed collection and sowing, especially in a nursery setting. This process generally takes place in early spring, when the chance of frost has decreased and soil temperatures encourage germination. Seeds are obtained from the cones of mature trees and are then stratified; a cold treatment that lasts usually for around 3 to 4 weeks (at about 33 - 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 1 - 4 degrees Celsius), to break dormancy and promote germination. After stratification, the seeds are sown in well-draining soil and lightly covered. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks, provided that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings are then carefully nurtured in the nursery for one to two years before they are ready for transplanting into their permanent location.
