Picea glehnii aka Sakhalin Spruce

Picea glehnii is an evergreen known as Sakhalin spruce. It belongs to Pinaceae, the pine family. Its home range spans southern Sakhalin and parts of Japan. These parts include Hokkaido and northern Honshu. It grows in regions with a temperate climate. In Japan, it grows in bogs. It also grows on serpentine rock with strongly alkaline conditions. These wild sites differ from the well-drained soils advised for gardens.

The tree has a tall, narrow, cone-shaped crown. In gardens, it can reach 100 feet [30.48 metres] over time. Its spread can reach about 30 feet [9.14 metres]. Its deep brown bark flakes off. Young shoots have a red tint and fine hairs. Its bright green needles have sharp tips. They grow about 0.052 feet [0.016 metres] long. The tree keeps its needles through winter. This gives it form all year. Its cones grow about 0.29 feet [0.089 metres] long. As a conifer, it bears cones, not true flowers.

Grow Sakhalin spruce in full sun or part shade. Missouri Botanical Garden advises soil that drains well and stays moderately moist. Average garden soil suits it when these needs are met. Its listed hardiness range spans USDA zones 4 to 7. The same source says it needs little upkeep. Its tall form needs a site with ample room. Suggested sites include broad lawns, parks, and golf courses. It can stand near large buildings or along highways. It draws birds and resists deer. It also adds interest in winter. Its cones add to its worth as a specimen tree.

Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious pest or disease problems. It does note risks for spruces as a group. Spider mites and aphids are among these pests. Bagworms and borers are also on the list. Fungi can cause disease in spruces in humid climates. These are warnings for the group, not confirmed local problems. Plants For A Future does not flag this species as weedy.

Plants For A Future lists several parts as food. You can eat young male cones raw or cooked. You can cook young female cones before they mature. Roasting makes their centres sweeter. Dried inner bark can thicken soup or add to bread flour. The source treats the bark as food for emergencies. You can eat raw seeds, but they are small and hard to process. Young shoot tips make tea that supplies vitamin C. The source lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for pets. The wood has uses in pianos, violins, and building interiors. It also supplies pulp to make paper.