Weeping Spruce (Picea breweriana)

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

Picea breweriana is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, 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

Usually on dry mountain ridges and peaks near the timber line, forming small groves around 2100 metres, though the best specimens are found in deep moist well-drained soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)