Porsild spruce in Canada

Abstract

The natural range of Porsild spruce (Picea glauca var. porsildii Raup), a white spruce variety distinguished by its smooth bark and resin blisters, has long been considered to be restricted to northwestern North America, but here it is noted that the same phenotype exists in wild stands in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. No record of Porsild spruce trees yet exists in the region between Alberta and western Ontario, or anywhere in the United States other than Alaska. The forestry community is requested to document any encounters with Porsild spruce in unmanaged stands, in order that its full range can be established. History and potential scientific importance of Porsild spruce are given consideration.