Serbian Spruce - (Picea omorika)

The Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika) is a stunning ornamental conifer, best known for its tall, slender profile and graceful, spire-like shape. Native to the mountainous regions of southwestern Serbia and parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was first discovered in 1875 by botanist Josif Pančić.

What makes this tree stand out? Its glossy dark green needles have striking white stripes on the undersides, giving the foliage a beautiful two-tone effect. In spring, it produces eye-catching purple cones that gradually darken to brown, adding year-round visual interest. Its bark has a coffee-brown tone with thin, scaly plates, and the flat needles—reaching up to 25 mm long—create a lush, textured appearance that’s hard to miss.

At maturity, the Serbian Spruce typically reaches 50 to 60 feet tall, keeping a narrow, pyramidal crown with pendulous branches that curve upward at the tips. While it’s a slow grower, it transplants easily and adapts well to different environments. It prefers cooler summers but can actually handle heat and humidity better than many other spruce varieties.

Beyond its good looks, the Serbian Spruce is admired for its toughness. It’s generally resistant to major diseases but can be vulnerable to pests like spider mites, aphids, budworms, and borers—especially in poorly drained soils. So if you’re planting one, make sure the site drains well.

Whether you're adding a vertical accent to a garden or just want a tree that's as resilient as it is elegant, the Serbian Spruce is a fantastic choice.