Picea sitchensis

Sitka spruce

Picea sitchensis, commonly known as Sitka spruce, is a majestic coniferous tree native to the Pacific Northwest. Beyond its timber value, it holds traditional medicinal significance. Often used in infusions, its needles and bark are valued for their rich vitamin C content and potential antimicrobial properties in natural remedies.

  • Scientific name: Picea sitchensis
  • Family: Pinaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Pinidae and the order Pinales, falling under the family Pinaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Picea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Pinidae WCVP
Order Pinales WCVP
Family Pinaceae WCVP
Genus Picea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Picea sitchensis, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Estonian, it is called sitka kuusk, while in French, it is known as épinette de Sitka. Its regional names include the Polish świerk sitkajski, the Estonian sitka kuusk, the Udmurt Ситкаысь кыз, and the Livonian Sitkafiicht.
Language Common Name Source
lb Sitkafiicht Wikidata
pl Świerk sitkajski Wikidata
udm Ситкаысь кыз Wikidata
fr épinette de Sitka Wikidata
et sitka kuusk Wikidata
de Sitka-Fichte Wikidata
koi Ситкаись кӧз Wikidata
hsb Sitkowy šmrěk Wikidata
sv Sitkagran Wikidata
ar تنوب سيتكي Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range located across several regions of Northern Europe. Its presence can be identified within the coastal areas of Denmark. Furthermore, the species is found inhabiting the islands of Føroya. It also maintains a distribution that extends into the landscapes of Great Britain and Iceland. Finally, the plant's range includes the territory of Ireland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Picea sitchensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include dehydroabietic acid.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
dehydroabietic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆