Red Spruce Tree Seeds | (Picea rubens) | Central Appalachian Provenance – Osceola, WV
Red Spruce Tree Seeds | (Picea rubens) | Central Appalachian Provenance – Osceola, WV
Cold-hardy, resilient, and foundational.
Picea rubens, Red Spruce, is a keystone conifer of the Central Appalachian Mountains and a defining species of high-elevation eastern forests. This Central Appalachian provenance seed lot is sourced from Osceola, West Virginia, a core location within the species’ native range. It represents stable, well-adapted genetics shaped by Appalachian climate and terrain.
Red Spruce once dominated more than 500,000 acres of West Virginia’s highest elevations before widespread logging in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, only a small fraction of those forests remain. This seed source has been consistently used in Central Appalachian restoration work and forms the backbone of our Appalachian forest blends, making it an excellent choice for reforestation, conservation, and long-term legacy plantings.
Why Grow Central Appalachian Red Spruce?
- Core-range genetics adapted to Central Appalachian growing conditions
- Reliable, production-proven germination for restoration and large plantings
- Ideal for reforestation, wildlife habitat, and long-term forest stewardship
- The same provenance used in Central Appalachian restoration blends
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Picea rubens
- Common Name: Red Spruce
- Germination Rate: 93%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: Osceola, West Virginia, USA
- Seed Count: Approximately 116,000 seeds per pound
- Stratification: Required (60 to 90 days cold stratification)
- USDA Zones: 3 to 7
- Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained soils preferred
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 60 to 80 ft tall × 25 to 30 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Packet Sizes: 25, 50, or 100 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Foundational species in Central Appalachian spruce and spruce northern hardwood forests
- Provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds, mammals, and high-elevation wildlife
- Plays a major role in carbon storage, watershed protection, and soil stabilization
Fun Facts
- Red Spruce wood has long been prized for musical instruments due to its strength and resonance
- Old-growth Red Spruce forests once dominated much of the Appalachian highlands
- With the right conditions, Red Spruce can live for several centuries
Evergreen Seed Co. provides freshly tested, high-viability Red Spruce seeds sourced through growers involved in Central Appalachian restoration efforts aligned with the goals of the Central Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative. Each packet includes clear germination and care instructions to support successful establishment and long-term forest recovery.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
