Chinese Spruce (Picea asperata)

Family: Pinaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Picea asperata is an evergreen Tree growing to 40 m (131ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Flowers, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring. — Young male catkins - raw or cooked.; Used as a flavouring.; Immature female cones - cooked.; The central portion, when roasted, is sweet and syrupy.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests, forming extensive pure stands at 2000 - 3800 metres. Mountains and river basins at elevations of 2400 - 3600 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)