TreePinaceae
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
- Habitat
- Dominant tree of boreal and montane coniferous forest across northern and central Europe
- IUCN status
- LCLeast Concern
- Max height
- 55 m
Ecological relationships
Eaten by
Red CrossbillLoxia curvirostraSpruce cones are a primary food source across much of the European range; mandible morphology is adapted to prise open conifer cone scales.
Spotted NutcrackerNucifraga caryocatactesSeeds of Norway Spruce form a major dietary component.
Mycorrhizal partner of
ChanterelleCantharellus cibariusDominant ectomycorrhizal association in Scandinavian and Central European spruce forests.
Fly AgaricAmanita muscariaEctomycorrhizal partner of Norway Spruce throughout its European range.
Host of
Cauliflower FungusSparassis crispaCauses butt rot in Norway Spruce; a major secondary host alongside Scots Pine.
Nesting site for
Crested TitLophophanes cristatusNests in rotting stumps and cavities in spruce-dominated boreal and montane forests.
Seeds dispersed by
- Spotted NutcrackerNucifraga caryocatactes
Caches enormous quantities of Norway Spruce seeds; primary long-distance disperser in montane and boreal-temperate forests.