Picea abies 'Barryi' / Barry's Norway spruce

Picea abies 'Barryi' is a slow, yet strongly growing globose selection of Norway spruce that will become more upright and conical with age. Branches grow irregularly widespread, holding glossy, dark-green needles and prominent terminal buds. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 20 to 28 inches (50 - 70 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of 2 to 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm).

'Barryi' is an old cultivar, first described in botanical literature in 1887 by Ludwig Beissner. It honors American nurseryman, Patrick Barry of Rochester, New York, who with his business partner, George Ellwanger, founded, what at the time, was one of the largest nurseries in the country. See Picea abies 'Ellwangeriana' for the spruce named in George's honor.

Picea abies 'Barryi' — a mature plant in an arboretum setting.
Photo by Bill Barger
Picea abies 'Barryi' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger
Picea abies 'Barryi' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger

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