Bird’s Nest Spruce (Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’)

Written by: Wanda Simone | Last Updated: August 20, 2024

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A dwarf evergreen shrub, Bird’s Nest Spruce is perfect for adding low-maintenance greenery to rock gardens, or foundation plantings.

Bird's nest spruce (Picea abies 'Nidiformis') growing as a foundation plant

Plant snapshot

Scientific name: Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’

Plant type: shrub

Zone: 3 to 7

Exposure: sun

Height: 2′ to 8′

Width: 3′ to 12′

Bird’s Nest Spruce is a dwarf variety of the Norway spruce that gets its name from its shape.

It grows slowly to form a flattened sphere that is the perfect size for foundation plantings, rock gardens or to add some year-round structure to the front of a garden bed.

New needles come out as a bright green color that turns to gray-green as they age.

This shrub is deer resistant and very low maintenance.

Bird’s Nest Spruce characteristics

Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ Foliage

Leaf color: lime green

Leaf shape: needle-like

Foliage interest: evergreen

Bird’s Nest Spruce planting & care

Water: drought tolerant once established

Pruning: This shrub only requires occasional pruning to maintain its size.

Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ benefits & issues

Resistant to: deer

Landscaping uses: ground cover, rock gardens, foundation plantings

Growth habit: slow growing

More information

Learn more about Bird’s Nest Spruce.

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