Spruce

Scientific name: Picea abies

Common name: Spruce

It is a member of the Pinaceae family. It reaches a height ranging from 25 to 50 meters. It is widespread in forests in the mountains of Western, Central, Northern Europe and Russia. The Norway spruce prefers moist soils and cool temperatures. Its roots are horizontal, in fact it often happens to tip over with its entire root system during storms with strong winds. Its bark is brown, with rounded scales. Stiff, pointed needles a few centimeters long develop on the branches. The cones, on the other hand, are more substantial in size, 10-18 cm.

The Norway spruce can reach 50 meters in height and has a particularly viscous bark. In fact, the bark is covered with a resinous, rubbery, waxy substance from which an important nutrient is obtained: propolis.

Its timber is used in the construction industry as well as in the pulp and paper industry. It is exceptional for the manufacture of violins or other stringed instruments for its excellent sound-amplifying properties. The essential oils of the Norway spruce, rich in terpenes, are used in the treatment of respiratory diseases for their expectorant and balsamic properties. They are also used in the treatment of neuralgia, myalgia and rheumatism.