Unique Features: The Black Hills spruce is from an isolated population of Picea glauca, White spruce, found in the Black Hills region of western South Dakota.  This is also the southernmost point of the range of the White spruce.  The Black Hills spruce is smaller, denser and slower growing than regular White spruces and grows slowly into a conical form with low branches.  The needles emerge a light blue green and mature to a dark blue green.  The small new cones have a reddish tint that shows well against the spring foliage.  The Black Hills spruce can be a specimen tree in a larger yard and is also durable enough to function as a windbreak with multiple plantings.