Secret Stories of the Trees: Spruce
Spruce trees (Picea ) are an ancient species of evergreen tree native to the Taiga (boreal snow forests). There are 35 species of spruce that can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
An easy way to identify spruce is by their needles. Each needle has a little spike at its tip. So just think: Spiky Spruce! That’s easy—right?
Spiky Spruce
The wood of the Spruce tree is resilient and lightweight and is used to make many instruments, including violins, guitars and cellos. The Wright brothers built their first airplane from spruce and ash.
The Oldest Tree
Spruce trees are considered some of the oldest living beings on the planet. In fact, the oldest living tree is a Spruce.
Old Tjikko, lives in Sweden and is thought to be 9,550 years old! That means this tree began its life sometime around the end of the last Ice Age. Fun Fact: The geologist, Leif Kullman, who found the tree named it after his beloved dog.
Folklore
There’s a long tradition of rich and beautiful folklore associated with spruce trees.
The original Christmas trees were spruce trees and are considered a symbols of eternal life, generosity, protection and healing.
In Switzerland Spruce trees are believed to be inhabited by a special spirit of the forest known as “the wise man of the forest”, who watches over livestock and brings prosperity.
The Yakuti people of Eurasia believe that shaman are born inside the great spruce tree of the North.
In Greek mythology, the spruce is the sacred tree of Artemis, Goddess of the hunt.
In the Gaelic tradition, spruce trees are the sacred tree of Druantia, the eternal mother goddess and protector of all trees.
In North America, the Hopi believe that the tree embodies the sacred spirit of a wise and ancient medicine man who turned himself into a tree at the end of his life.
Culinary Uses
The needles of spruce trees are edible and highly medicinal. They are full of vitamin C , A and B. Many people use spruce to help alleviate cold and cough symptoms. They can also be used to make teas, syrups—and even beer.
The Vikings made beer from spruce trees to keep their sailor healthy on long ocean voyages. The tradition soon spread throughout the world and was often one of the main staples of sea faring vessels. In fact, Captain Cook’s crew brewed the fragrant beer on his voyage to the pacific. Spruce beer was also very popular in the American colonies and was said to be the mainstay at any given pub. But its popularity eventually faded and it fell into obscurity sometime around the end of the 1800s.
There are many other culinary uses for spruce. Spruce tips can be added to salads, used in baked goods, such as scones and bread, and are also used to make tasty vinegars.
Do you have stories about your experiences with spruce? Have you ever used Spruce needles to make a tea or a syrup? Have you ever tried Spruce Beer? I’d love to know! Please share your spruce stories in the comments below.
