Norway Spruce

Eaten by

• Red CrossbillLoxia curvirostra

  Spruce cones are a primary food source across much of the European range; mandible morphology is adapted to prise open conifer cone scales.

• Spotted NutcrackerNucifraga caryocatactes

  Seeds of Norway Spruce form a major dietary component.

Mycorrhizal partner of

• ChanterelleCantharellus cibarius

  Dominant ectomycorrhizal association in Scandinavian and Central European spruce forests.

• Fly AgaricAmanita muscaria

  Ectomycorrhizal partner of Norway Spruce throughout its European range.

Host of

• Cauliflower FungusSparassis crispa

  Causes butt rot in Norway Spruce; a major secondary host alongside Scots Pine.

Nesting site for

• Crested TitLophophanes cristatus

  Nests 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.