Shrubs
Picea abies 'Nidiformis'
Bird’s nest spruce
Light green needles cover a broad, dense mound with a nestlike hollow in its center. Slow early growth suits rock gardens and mixed conifer beds, but old plants can become substantial. Avoid hot, dry positions and soil that stays waterlogged.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size at stated age
- Height: 1–2 ft. at 10 years; up to 8 ft. with age · Spread: 3–4 ft. at 10 years; much wider with age
- Water
- Moderately moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 3–6
Sizes & prices
- #2Birds Nest Spruce$54.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Some resistance; browsing remains possible.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Seasonal interest
- Foliage
- Evergreen.
Growing & care
- Pruning
- Little pruning needed; keep cuts within leafy growth, not bare old wood.
Sources & photo credits
Photo: F. D. Richards · CC-BY-SA 2.0
Image notes: Bird’s nest spruce. Representative plant; resized and re-encoded, not cropped.
Reviewed September 21, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.