Scientifically known as Picea glauca var. densata, the Black Hills spruce tree is a geographical variety of the White spruce indigenous to the Black Hils of South Dakota. These beautiful evergreen trees have short, bright green to bluish needles and a dense conical shape, making it very ornamental in the landscape. Additionally, the Black Hills spruce is not susceptible to common spruce pests, making it an ideal evergreen tree for a privacy screen or windbreak. Used to a small extent in the Christmas tree industry as well as timber industry for pulp wood and lumber.

The Black Hills spruce is a slow growing evergreen tree, with young trees growing on average between 3/4 and 3 inches per year. Mature trees will reach heights between 30 and 60 feet with a spread between 15 and 25 feet. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and prefers full sun.