Picea rubens
Red spruce (Picea rubens) is in trouble. This medium-sized conifer native to eastern North America has low genetic diversity as well as a narrow ecological niche. When changes happen in its environment, it doesn’t have the genetic power to fight back. Over the years, red spruce has been on the decline. It has had to contend with excessive logging, pollution, climate change, and insect damage.
But we are not going to give up hope for a tree that has given so much in the past. First Nations know the value of its medicinal needles, musicians its gift of a perfect soundboard for their instruments, and wildlife its shelter and food - more info on this tree. More information
Follow the story of ‘Ruby the Red Spruce’ from the mountains of western North Carolina on her journey to Washington, DC as the People’s Tree. Ruby is involved in restoring the red spruce’s mountain habitat. Now that is hope in action.
The pictures were taken in the BC Habitat Garden in December. A number of red spruce are spread throughout this garden and the wildlife are thankful.
Text and photos by Hughie Jones