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.

Spruce needles help with colds

From a botanical point of view, the needles are leaves, and they are needle-shaped. The needles raise several advantages. The compact shape protects them very well from frost and cold, so most conifers are green even in winter.

It also significantly reduces evaporation. Predators do not like the often hard and pointed needles as much as they do soft leaves. This is another advantage that should not be underestimated, but only with older spruce trees, the young shoots are very tasty on the other hand.

Do spruce and fir needles differ?

There are two fundamental differences between spruce needles and pine needles: pine needles are relatively soft and only grow to the two 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 stalks.

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 behind it or an infestation with parasites.

Can I somehow use the spruce needles?

Old spruce needles can also be used, but taste really intense and unusual. Young shoots are therefore used in various ways. The fresh, still light green shoot tips are used. They can be processed fresh or dried.

You should only use the freshly harvested tips to refine desserts or season salads. Fresh needles are also better for herb butter and wild herb pesto. Liqueur or starter schnapps can be made with both dried and fresh shoots. The same goes for tea or a bath approach.

Do spruce needles have a health effect?

Spruce needles, like pine needles, are natural remedies. They can be used in many 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 of salads
  • as an ingredient for herb butter
  • for wild herb pesto
  • Refine desserts
  • take a refreshing bath
  • 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 spruces themselves cannot tolerate too many of their needles on the ground. Check the pH value in the soil under your spruce from time to time, then you can take countermeasures in good time.

tips

If you want to use the young spruce tips, then collect them while they are still light green.

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Trees