Norway Spruce

Norway spruce has been planted for windbreaks and shelterbelts in western prairies, although it grows better in more humid environments. It is recommended for shelterbelt plantings in humid, severe-winter regions. Norway spruce grows best in cool, humid climates on rich soils. Preferred soils include well-drained sandy loams. It also grows well on almost all other types of soils. Norway spruce provides important winter cover for a number of species of wildlife. Grouse eat spruce leaves and the seeds are consumed by a number of birds and small mammals.