Picea abies 'Eremita' / Eremita Norway spruce

Picea abies 'Eremita' is a monstrous, fast-growing selection of Norway spruce with sparse, thick, open branching; orange-red bark and prominent buds. Growth ranges from straight, through undulating in odd directions with an occasional cristate branch adding to the curiosity. Needles are sharp, heavy and dark green in color. No two plants will look the same. Sophora nursery in Poland says, 'Eremita' is perfect for "lovers of plants with unique characteristics."

After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 10 feet (3 m) tall and wide, an annual growth rate in excess of 12 inches (3 m).

'Eremita' is an old cultivar in the nursery trade, first described in botanical literature by Élie-Abel Carrière in 1855. It is thought to have been discovered in France. In the Latin language, "eremita" translates into "hermit."