Bird’s Nest Spruce

Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’

This dwarf conifer looks good throughout the year, but proves invaluable in the winter landscape when the short fine-textured needles remain a dark rich green. In spring, new growth appears a cheery yellow-green at branch tips. This flat-topped, spreading spruce has a slight depression in the center, reminding one of a bird’s nest. Ultimately about 4 feet high by 5 feet wide, bird’s nest spruce is useful in a foundation planting, rock garden, border, or as a specimen. It likes full sun in moderately moist well-drained soil.  This low-maintenance plant requires no pruning and is seldom damaged by deer.