Morinda Spruce (Picea smithiana)

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

Picea smithiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, 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 found on N. and W. slopes inhabiting the drier upper areas often in association with silver fir or deodar, 2100 - 3600 metres from Afghanistan to Nepal. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)