Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.

Picea abies is widespread and dominant in Boreal conifer forests of northern and northeastern Europe, where it replaces Pinus sylvestris on wetter sites because Picea abies can avoid the water table with a very shallow root system. Occurs from sea level up to 2,000 m.The natural distribution shows continental tendencies but in the western mountains of Central Europe an ecotype has evolved that is adapted to sub-Atlantic weather conditions with heavy 'wet' snowfall in early winter. Its inability to compete with more shade tolerant Abies alba and Fagus sylvatica as well as historical factors have limited its natural expansion into western Europe. In the Alps Picea abies occupies the montane to subalpine zones (dependent on local climate) especially on moist sites and in cold air pockets. Although it can occur on most substrates, acidic soils are most common and widespread as is testified by the undergrowth, if present, of ericaceous shrubs and sub-shrubs.Commonly growing with Picea abies in the Boreal forests are Betula sp. and Populus tremula, with willows (Salix) alongside streams and lakes. In the Alps Picea abies occurs with Larix decidua, Pinus cembra, and P. sylvestris or P. nigra, if not in pure stands. In eastern Europe, Picea abies is a constituent of mixed conifer-broad-leaved woodland from the Białowieża  Forest in the north to the valleys of the eastern Alps and the Carpathians.