Norway spruce (Picea abies)
Other names: Norway spruce, Abies excelsa, Abies rubra, Chamaepicea fatrense, Picea excelsa, Picea rubra, Pinus abies, Pinus excelsa, Pinus picea
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is an evergreen coniferous deciduous tree belonging to the genus spruce in the pine family. This species is considered one of the main tree species of Europe and is also known by various other names, including Norway spruce, Abies excelsa, Abies rubra, Chamaepicea fatrense, Picea excelsa, Picea rubra, Pinus abies, Pinus excelsa or Pinus picea. In nature, it can grow up to 60 metres high and up to 600 years old. In addition to its aesthetic function, the Norway spruce also has significant economic value.
The wood from the spruce has a wide range of uses. The most important applications are in the construction industry, where it is used to make, for example, beams, planks, scaffolding, flooring and roofing. It is also used to make furniture, pallets, crates and other wood products. Spruce is also the most important type of wood used for the manufacture of musical instruments such as violins, guitars, pianos and organs, where it is used for its excellent sound character. It is also very often used for the production of pulp and paper. The resin from this tree is processed into turpentine and other resin products used in the chemical industry. Overall, Norway spruce is one of the most important tree species that have a significant impact on the European economy.