Serbian Spruce

Picea omorika

Native to:
NW. Balkan Pen.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Pinaceae
Genus:
Picea
Species:
Picea omorika
USDA Symbol:
PIOM2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
3000 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained, acidic soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to limestone mountains; prefers acidic conditions despite limestone origin

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for optimal germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI