<P> A spruce is a tree of the genus Picea / paɪˈsiːə / , a genus of about 35 species of coniferous evergreen trees in the family Pinaceae , found in the northern temperate and boreal ( taiga ) regions of the Earth . Spruces are large trees , from about 20 -- 60 m ( about 60 -- 200 ft ) tall when mature , and can be distinguished by their whorled branches and conical form . The needles , or leaves , of spruces are attached singly to the branches in a spiral fashion , each needle on a small , peg - like structure . The needles are shed when 4 -- 10 years old , leaving the branches rough with the retained pegs ( an easy means of distinguishing them from other similar genera , where the branches are fairly smooth ) . </P>
<P> A spruce is a tree of the genus Picea / paɪˈsiːə / , a genus of about 35 species of coniferous evergreen trees in the family Pinaceae , found in the northern temperate and boreal ( taiga ) regions of the Earth . Spruces are large trees , from about 20 -- 60 m ( about 60 -- 200 ft ) tall when mature , and can be distinguished by their whorled branches and conical form . The needles , or leaves , of spruces are attached singly to the branches in a spiral fashion , each needle on a small , peg - like structure . The needles are shed when 4 -- 10 years old , leaving the branches rough with the retained pegs ( an easy means of distinguishing them from other similar genera , where the branches are fairly smooth ) . </P>
how many different types of spruce trees are there
how many different types of spruce trees are there
about 35 species
about 35 species