White Spruce (Picea glauca) vs. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Updated July 24th, 2020These species are sometimes confused, although they are usually relatively easy to distinguish. In cold regions, they are both widely planted in landscaping.
Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides
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Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) vs. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Updated December 29th, 2019Eastern hemlock and Norway spruce are easy to distinguish up-close, but are sometimes confused from a distance because both have dark green needles and drooping branches and foliage; both are widely used in landscaping, and are highly shade-tolerant.
Red Spruce (Picea rubens) vs. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Updated December 29th, 2019These species are sometimes confused, but are easily distinguished by growth habit and cones, and can also be distinguished by fine details of needles and twigs. In North America, they can occur together where Norway spruce has escaped cultivation and become established in the wild. Most landscaping plants, however, are Norway spruce.
