3.9 Spruce forests

If the soil of a forest consists of more water-absorbent till, it will also store up more nutrients for plants. This type of soil often accomodates wet taiga forests with spruce as the most dominant tree species.

Spruce, like pine, is a coniferous tree species common to the forests of Northern Europe. Many broadleaf and pine forests are transformed into spruce forests over time. This is due to the fact that spruce trees are better adapted to the temperate and humid climatic conditions of Northern Europe than most other species of tree. 


Spruce thrive in shady environments. Because their branches are thick, they prevent sunlight from reaching the ground level of the forest. As a result, wet taiga forests mostly accommodate plants that are well-adapted to dark and shady conditions. The undergrowth of a young spruce forest is often rich, containing blueberries, grasses, and arctic starflowers. The oldest forests of this type are shadier, and their undergrowth consists mostly of mosses. 

The most common animals of spruce forests include squirrels, coal tits, willow tits, and goldcrests. Animals such as bears, voles and thrushes like to eat blueberries growing in the forests.


A wet taiga forest dominated by spruce trees.