Your Arbor Day Tree:  Learn More About Your Seedling!

The most common tree that is presented to Grade 1 students through the Province of Alberta is a white spruce (Picea glauca). These trees are native to Alberta and can grow in diverse soil conditions.

Another common tree that students may receive is the lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). This evergreen tree is the provincial tree of Alberta and is recognized by its tall, straight, narrow crown.

You can tell the difference between the spruce and the pine by looking at the leaves (or needles):

  • Lodgepole pine has longer needles, in pairs of 2 per bundle that have a slight twist to each needle.
  • White spruce has single, short, square needles growing off the branch. Remember single, square needles for spruce trees!