Schrenk’s spruce

Soaring Tian Shan spruces clothe the valleys above Issyk-Kul, creating a landscape reminiscent of the Alps.

Schrenk’s spruce is a tall conifer growing to 40–50 m, with a very narrow, almost columnar crown that easily sheds snow. It has stiff, sharp needles and long, cylindrical cones. It grows on cool, north-facing mountain slopes at about 1,500–3,000 m. It can live for as long as 300–400 years.

Significance in the country

Schrenk’s spruce forms Kyrgyzstan’s main conifer forests, which, though they cover only a small part of the country, protect river sources and shield slopes from avalanches. The Jeti-Ögüz, Karakol and Altyn-Arashan valleys with their spruce forests are among the most popular trekking destinations.

Where it grows

Grows in the valleys of the Tian Shan – the most extensive forests are in Issyk-Kul Region (Terskey and Kungey Ala-Too), with others in Naryn, Chüy, Talas and Jalal-Abad regions (including around Lake Sary-Chelek).

More: Wikipedia (en)