The spruce is one of the so-called conifers, so it has needles instead of leaves - at least that's the popular opinion. That's true, but only almost. Because the needles are a special form of leaves.
What can you use spruce needles for?
Spruce needles are botanically leaves and offer protection from cold and predators. They can be used for liqueurs, salads, herb butter, wild herb pesto, desserts and teas, have he alth effects and should not be used as fertilizer.
Botanically speaking, the needles are needle-shaped leaves. The needles have several advantages. The compact shape protects them very well from frost and cold, which is why most conifers are green even in winter.
It also significantly reduces evaporation. Predators don't like the often hard and sharp needles as much as soft leaves, which is another advantage that shouldn't be underestimated, but only with older spruce trees; the young shoots, on the other hand, are very tasty.
Do spruce and pine needles differ?
There are two fundamental differences between spruce needles and pine needles: pine needles are relatively soft and only grow on both sides of the branch (more or less horizontally). The needles of a spruce, on the other hand, are sharp and hard. They grow around the branch on short brown stems.
Why does a spruce lose its needles?
If your spruce needles, it can have very different reasons. In most cases the soil is too dry, sometimes too firm. There may also be a nutrient deficiency or an infestation with parasites.
Can I use the spruce needles somehow?
Old spruce needles can also be used, but they taste really intense and unusual. Young shoots are therefore used in different ways. The fresh, light green shoot tips are used. They can be processed fresh or dried.
For refining desserts or seasoning salads, you should only use the freshly harvested tips. Fresh needles are also better for herb butter and wild herb pesto. Liqueur or schnapps can be made with both dried and fresh shoots. The same goes for tea or a bath mixture.
Do spruce needles have any he alth effects?
Spruce needles, like pine needles, are natural remedies. They can be used in a variety of ways. The spruce needles are said to relieve colds and respiratory infections, as well as sore muscles and tension. They are also often used to help with rheumatism, gout or lumbago.
Possible use of spruce tips:
- Make liqueur
- Seasoning salads
- as an ingredient for herb butter
- for wild herb pesto
- Refine desserts
- take a refreshing swim
- Make cough tea
Are spruce needles a good fertilizer?
You should not use spruce needles for fertilization, as they make the soil acidic, which is not good for many plants. Even the spruce trees themselves cannot tolerate too many of their needles on the ground. Check the pH value in the soil under your spruce every now and then so you can take countermeasures in good time.
Tip
If you want to use the young spruce tips, then collect them while they are still light green.
