Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis 'Tenas'
ABOUT
The Sitka spruce 'Tenas' is a cultivar that exhibits characteristics typical of the Sitka spruce species but with its own unique traits. It has a pyramidal shape with a dense branching pattern that gives it a full-bodied appearance. The branches are adorned with short, stiff needles that have a rich, deep green color, providing a lush, evergreen presence throughout the year. The needles of the 'Tenas' have a slightly curved shape and are arranged radially around the branches, creating a somewhat spiky texture to the touch. On the undersides of the needles, you can often see two distinctive white bands, which are rows of stomata—the tiny openings that allow the plant to breathe. This contrast of the dark green topside and the lighter underside adds to the visual interest of the plant. Additionally, the bark of the 'Tenas' is thin and scaly with a gray-brown color, providing a rustic texture that contrasts nicely with the foliage. As the plant matures, the bark may become more rugged and deeply furrowed. The Sitka spruce 'Tenas' produces cones that are pendulous and cylindrical in shape. These cones usually have thin, flexible scales and can vary in color from green to reddish-brown as they mature. The cones add an additional ornamental element to the cultivar, especially when they stand out against the backdrop of the dense, evergreen needles. Overall, the Sitka spruce 'Tenas' is known for its attractive conical silhouette, vibrant green foliage, and ornamental cones, making it a popular choice for landscapes where a visually appealing evergreen feature is desired. Its physical characteristics reflect the sturdiness and resilience characteristic of the Sitka spruce family, but with the refined qualities that the 'Tenas' cultivar specifically brings to the table.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sitka Spruce, Coast Spruce, Menzies Spruce, Yellow Spruce, Tideland Spruce.
Common names
Picea sitchensis 'Tenas'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sitka spruce is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity from ingesting parts of Sitka spruce, and it is not known for causing poisoning symptoms in humans. However, as with many plants, individuals may have allergies or sensitivities, so it is always prudent not to ingest plant material that is not commonly recognized as food.
To pets
Sitka spruce is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant as it is not generally considered poisonous to animals. However, ingesting non-food plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is advisable to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting parts of this or any ornamental plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: Adds natural beauty and visual appeal to landscapes with its classic coniferous shape and dense foliage.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife within its branches and dense foliage.
- Windbreak: Acts as a barrier against strong winds, protecting other plants, structures, and reducing soil erosion.
- Noise Reduction: Dense foliage can help buffer and reduce noise pollution in urban and suburban settings.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used as a living screen to increase privacy in residential gardens and yards.
- Erosion Control: Deep root systems stabilize soil and reduce the chances of landslides and erosion, particularly on slopes.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with its evergreen needles and can exhibit cones that add to its ornamental value.
- Shade Provider: Can cast considerable shade, creating cooler areas underneath its canopy during warmer months.
- Adaptability: Often adaptable to a variety of soil types, which makes it suitable for different landscape conditions.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like all plants, contributes to carbon dioxide fixation, thus playing a role in mitigating climate change.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Instrument Soundboards: The wood of Sitka spruce is highly valued for its acoustic properties and is often used in the manufacturing of pianos, guitars, and violins for its ability to carry sound.
- Boat Building: Sitka spruce is lightweight and strong, making it an ideal wood for small masts and spars used in boat construction.
- Aircraft Construction: Historically, the wood was used extensively in the frames and wings of early aircraft due to its combination of strength and light weight.
- Wind Turbine Blades: The strength-to-weight ratio of Sitka spruce can be utilized in creating the blades for wind turbines.
- Model Building: Its wood is a favored material for constructing models, especially model airplanes, because of its lightness and workability.
- Crafts and Carvings: Due to its softness and ease of carving, Sitka spruce can be used for intricate woodwork and craft projects.
- Utility Poles: The straight trunks of Sitka spruce are suitable for making utility poles and other structural posts.
- Soundproofing: Wood chips and fibers from Sitka spruce can be used in the production of soundproofing materials for construction.
- Coffins and Caskets: The wood's fine texture and workability make it a suitable material for the construction of eco-friendly coffins and caskets.
- Canoe Making: Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest have used the roots and wood of the Sitka spruce historically to construct canoes and other traditional watercraft.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sitka spruce is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sitka spruce is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Resilience: Sitka Spruce's ability to thrive in challenging environments symbolizes an inner strength and the capacity to withstand adversity.
- Growth and Longevity: As one of the tallest and longest-living tree species in North America, Sitka Spruce represents enduring growth and longevity.
- Protection: The dense wood of the Sitka Spruce was historically used by indigenous peoples to create protective structures and items, symbolizing shelter and safety.
- Healing: Native tribes have used various parts of the Sitka Spruce for medicinal purposes, making it symbolic of healing and health.
- Adaptability: The Sitka Spruce's capacity to adapt to various soil types and environments makes it a symbol of versatility and flexibility.
WaterSitka spruce requires regular watering, especially when young or newly planted, to establish a deep root system. For mature trees, water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. A good method is to provide the tree with about 1-2 gallons of water per week during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall. In hot, dry climates or during periods of drought, increase watering to 2-3 gallons per week. During the winter or in wetter climates, you can reduce the amount of water or rely on natural precipitation.
LightSitka spruce thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The best spot for this tree would be an area where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown in a garden or landscaped setting, make sure it's positioned away from buildings or other trees that might cast too much shade over it.
TemperatureSitka spruce prefers cool to moderate temperatures and is tolerant of cold, withstanding temperatures down to about -20°F. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 60°F to 70°F during the day. This tree may struggle in regions where the temperature consistently exceeds 80°F.
PruningPruning Sitka spruce is generally done for shaping and removing dead or diseased branches. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly, as the tree doesn't often need it, and avoid cutting into the older wood, which can harm the tree. If needed, remove any crossing branches or ones that disrupt the tree's symmetry or are a safety hazard.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSitka Spruce 'Tenas' thrives in moist, well-drained acidic soil with a pH range of 4.0 to 6.0. A mix of peat, loamy soil, and sand or perlite can provide the necessary drainage and acidity.
RepottingYoung Sitka Spruce 'Tenas' should be repotted every 2-3 years; mature trees can be repotted less frequently, about every 4-5 years, as growth slows.
Humidity & MistingSitka Spruce 'Tenas' prefers moderate humidity levels, mimicking its native coastal environment; a range of 40-60% is typically suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and air circulation for Sitka Spruce.
Outdoor
Plant in acidic soil, full sun, and protect from strong winds for Sitka Spruce.
Hardiness zone
7-8 USDA
Life cyclePicea sitchensis 'Tenas', commonly known as Sitka Spruce, begins its life as a seed, which after stratification, typically germinates in the spring. The seedling stage involves initial establishment, with growth of roots and a couple of primary leaves (cotyledons), followed by the development of true leaves and ongoing root expansion. As it enters the juvenile phase, the plant develops a strong central stem, and over several years, it grows taller and expands its root system, becoming more resistant to environmental stress. The mature phase is marked by the tree's capacity for reproduction, producing cones around 15-20 years of age, with male cones releasing pollen and female cones developing seeds after pollination. This mature period can last for centuries, as Sitka Spruces can live for over 700 years, continually reproducing annually and further developing its woody structure. Finally, as it reaches the senescence phase at the end of its lifespan, the tree's growth slows, and it may become susceptible to environmental stress, disease, or physical damage, eventually leading to death and the natural decomposition of its organic material.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: Sitka Spruce 'Tenas', a cultivar of Picea sitchensis, is commonly propagated by cuttings. The optimal time for taking cuttings for propagation is during the late summer or early fall, as this aligns with the plant's natural growth cycle and ensures that the cuttings have mature foliage yet young, vigorous stems. To propagate Sitka Spruce 'Tenas' by cuttings, select healthy, semi-hardwood stems from the current season's growth. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm) and have the lower needles removed to expose the nodes. The cut end of the cutting is then treated with rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Maintaining a moist environment by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or a propagation dome and keeping them in indirect light will assist in root formation. Roots typically develop within a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the young plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually potted up or planted out.
