Spruce

Spruce (Picea spp./Pinaceae). The genus Picea contains about 30 species 7 native to North America [1], 2 to Mexico [1], and 20 to Eurasia [1]. Microscopically, the wood of all species in this genus looks alike in their basic anatomy, with the exception of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) from western North America. It consistently contains crystals in its rays, as do the 3 European species on rare occasions. The commercial species native to North America are listed below.

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Characteristics found in the Spruces (Picea spp.):

• Resin Canals present
• Epithelia with thick walls
• Pits on ray tracheids either dentate (Picea type 2) or angular (Picea type 1)
• extremely rare appearance of crystals in European species

WOOD SLIDES
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CHARCOAL SLIDES