Scientifically known as Picea abies, the Norway spruce is a evergreen tree native to Europe and thus also referred to as the European spruce. It's natural range stretched throughout Russia, Norway, Poland, and south into the region of central Europe. The Norway spruce has been widely planted throughout the United States, with naturalized populations being found in the Pacific northwest, the Rockies, and in the northeast from Michigan to Connecticut. A widely popular landscape ornamentla and Christmas tree, the Norway spruce can also be found being used for timber and paper production.

The Norway spruce is considered the faster growing of evergreen tree in the spruce family, with young trees growing upwards to 3 feet per year under optimal growing conditions. This rate slows done as they mature, with older trees achieving heights of 100 feet or more. Prefers a rich soil and to be planted in full sun. Ideal evergreen tree for producing a natural evergreen windbreak or privacy screen.