Bird's Nest Spruce Picea abies 'Nidiformis'
ABOUT
The plant known as the bird's nest spruce is a charming evergreen conifer that boasts a unique and distinctive shape reminiscent of a nest. True to its name, the main feature of this plant is its depressed center, which often looks as though a bird could settle inside. The overall form of the bird's nest spruce is broad and rounded, making it an attractive, low-spreading shrub. The foliage of the bird's nest spruce consists of needles that are short, stiff, and a rich, dark green hue. They cover the branches densely, creating a lush appearance throughout the year. During spring, lighter green new growth emerges, adding a subtle contrast to the deeper green of the mature needles. The branches themselves radiate outward from the center of the plant, then upwards, further enhancing the nest-like appearance. Some of the branches may slightly overhang, reinforcing the rounded silhouette. It is a slow-growing plant that adds texture and visual interest to the garden setting. The bird's nest spruce is not only visually appealing but also adaptable and hardy, which has made it a popular choice for landscape use in areas outside of its natural habitat. Its distinctive form offers a contrast to the vertical lines of taller trees and buildings, and it is often used as a specimen plant in residential gardens, public spaces, and as ground cover in larger landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pinaceae
Synonyms
Bird's Nest Spruce, Nest Spruce
Common names
Picea abies 'Nidiformis'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Picea abies 'Nidiformis', commonly known as bird's nest spruce, is not considered highly toxic to humans. In general, spruces are not regarded as poisonous plants. However, ingesting parts of this plant, particularly in large amounts, could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The needles can be sharp and are not meant to be eaten, so they could cause mechanical injury or irritation to the mouth and digestive tract. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as a precautionary measure.
To pets
The bird's nest spruce is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, as with humans, ingestion of the sharp needles can cause mechanical irritation or injury to a pet's mouth or digestive tract. It might induce mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet ingests a large quantity of this plant, or if any concerning symptoms arise, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. Generally, it is safe around pets, but it is still good practice to discourage pets from chewing on ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Picea abies 'Nidiformis', commonly known as the Bird's Nest Spruce, offers a unique and compact dome-shaped form, providing visual interest to any landscape.
- Low Maintenance: This cultivar is a slow-growing evergreen that typically requires little pruning or upkeep, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Bird's Nest Spruce displays good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardiness: It is extremely cold hardy and can thrive in climates with harsh winters, making it suitable for many northern regions.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage of the Bird's Nest Spruce can provide cover and nesting opportunities for small birds and other wildlife.
- Adaptability: This plant can adapt to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil conditions.
- Compact Size: Its naturally small stature makes it an excellent choice for use in smaller gardens or landscape areas, where it won't outgrow its space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses```html
- Nesting habitat enhancement: Bird's Nest Spruce provides excellent cover for birds, especially small species that seek out protected nesting sites within its dense foliage.
- Miniature railway landscapes: Due to its compact growth, it is often used in miniature railways and model landscapes to represent full-sized trees.
- Bonsai cultivation: Enthusiasts may use Bird's Nest Spruce for creating bonsai trees because of its attractive form and adaptability to pruning.
- Photography backdrops: Because of its unique shape, Bird's Nest Spruce can be used as a preferred background for photography in gardens.
- Winter garden interest: This plant provides visual interest in winter gardens with its evergreen foliage and distinct form, even when most plants are dormant.
- Fairy gardens: The small and dense form of this spruce makes it ideal for use in creating enchanting fairy gardens.
- Sensory gardens: Its textured foliage can be appreciated in sensory gardens where tactile experiences are a focus.
- Education: Bird's Nest Spruce can be used to educate about plant growth habits, conifer care, and landscaping in horticultural programs.
- Artistic inspiration: The unique form of the Bird's Nest Spruce can inspire artists and sculptors looking for natural shapes and forms to incorporate into their work.
- Erosion control: When planted in groups, Bird's Nest Spruce can help in stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion due to its root system.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bird's Nest Spruce is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bird's Nest Spruce is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance and Longevity: Picea abies, commonly known as Norway Spruce, is a species that can live for up to several hundred years, symbolizing endurance, resilience, and the passing of tradition through time.
- Growth and Nurturance: As a tree that reaches substantial heights, it represents steady growth, nurturing, and the idea that care and support will lead to impressive results.
- Protection: The Picea abies, with its evergreen nature, is often associated with protection, as evergreens are often looked upon as protective barriers against harsh conditions.
- Healing: Historically, parts of the Norway Spruce have been used in traditional medicines, and thus it can symbolize healing and health.
- Adaptability: Being able to thrive in a variety of climates, the Norway Spruce can symbolize adaptability and the ability to thrive in different environments.
WaterThe Bird's Nest Spruce, needs to be watered regularly to maintain moist, but not soggy, soil conditions. In general, watering once a week with about 1-2 gallons per plant, depending on the size and the weather conditions, should be sufficient. During hot dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary, possibly up to twice a week. It's important to adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and temperature changes. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and ensure deeper water penetration to the roots.
LightThe Bird's Nest Spruce thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can impede the growth and health of the plant.
TemperatureThe Bird's Nest Spruce prefers cooler climates and can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many northern regions. It can survive in temperatures up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit without stress. The ideal temperature range for this conifer is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring optimal growth and health.
PruningThe Bird's Nest Spruce requires minimal pruning, mainly to shape the plant or to remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually, but it's often not necessary every year. When pruning, make strategic cuts to maintain the plant's natural form and avoid over-pruning, which can damage the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bird's Nest Spruce prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter. The best soil mix can be created with equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The ideal soil pH for this conifer is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.
RepottingBird's Nest Spruce is slow-growing and typically requires repotting every three to four years. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth starts, but avoid repotting unless the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingBird's Nest Spruce thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It does not require any special humidity adjustments as it is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright indirect light, cool room temp, no direct heat sources.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cyclePicea abies 'Nidiformis', commonly known as Bird's Nest Spruce, begins life as a seed, typically requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Germination of seed follows, leading to the sprout stage where the young seedling establishes its root system. As a slow-growing evergreen conifer, the plant enters a long vegetative growth stage, developing a dense, shrubby form that is broader than tall and characterized by a depression in the center, resembling a bird's nest. During maturity, which may take several years, the Bird's Nest Spruce starts to produce cones; male cones release pollen and the larger female cones receive it, leading to fertilization and seed development. The plant continues to produce new growth each spring, with bright green needles that mature to a deeper hue. Eventually, after many decades, the plant reaches old age, where growth slows further until it succumbs to environmental factors, disease, or natural senescence.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Picea abies 'Nidiformis', commonly known as the Bird's Nest Spruce, is best propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during mid to late summer, when the current season's growth has begun to mature but is not yet fully hardened. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, ensuring it has several healthy needles. The cut end is then dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance the chances of successful root development and planted in a well-drained rooting medium. The cutting should be kept in high humidity and indirect light. Rooting typically occurs over several weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to less controlled conditions before planting in its permanent location.
