Helena National Forest

Engelmann Spruce (picea engelmannii)

Engelmann spruce is an uncommon tree on the Forest. Its found in wet areas such as creek bottoms and near water sources. It also inhabits higher and colder environments characterized by cold winters and cool short summers.

The tree is intolerant an requires the shade of overstory trees to regenerate. Mature spruce trees indicate an area that has survived for quite some time without a disturbance, such as fire.

Engelmann spruce trees are quite heavily branched and the bark is gray and plate like. The cones are 3 to 4 inches long and have a somewhat papery cone scale. The needles of Engelmann spruce are about 3/4 inches long and are sharp and stiff. A good way to identify a spruce is to touch its prickly needles. Shake hands with a spruce!

Engelmann spruce can be used for construction where great strength is not required. It is also used for specialty items such as violins and pianos.

Because spruce is lightweight it was used to build the structural trusses of early aircraft.