Black spruce (Picea mariana) is represented in Baggböle with three different provenances, which all develop well. The tallest individuals are today close to 10 meters. In its area of origin (Fairbanks, Alaska), the trees can grow up to 20 meters high and sometimes celebrate its 200th birthday. The species forms a northern forest border across the entire North American continent. Black spruce is unassuming and forms large, sparse stands on bogs and poor heaths. It is a notable species because it can grow in areas of permafrost, i.e. permanently frozen ground. It is also a pioneer species in deforestation and firebreaks. The similarities with our “Swedish” pine (Pinus sylvestris) in terms of strategy and location are in many cases striking.
As it often grows in areas that are very poor in soil nutrients, it is generally of modest size and is characterized by a narrow crown and drooping branches. The needles are small and blue-green. The black spruce produces so many cones that growth often stops. The cones are small and oval in shape.
Black spruce wood is of good quality and has been used to make propellers, but because of its small size and high knottiness, it is mostly used for pulp or fuel.
In Alaska, black spruce has been used as a medicinal plant. The resin has been used as a plaster and decoctions of the needles have cured colds, cured urinary tract infections and ‘cleared the blood’.
Our black spruce forest of about 100 individuals has its origin in Fairbanks, Alaska.