Riverside Serbian Spruce Tree

‘Riverside’ is a narrow, conical Serbian spruce with semi-pendulous branches that curve upward at their tips. Its short blue-green needles have silvery undersides, and young cones are purple before maturing brown. ## Form and landscape use This upright silhouette and distinctive branch pattern make the cultivar a strong specimen for a lawn, large border, or conifer planting. The American Conifer Society notes that the same selection is sometimes listed in catalogs as ‘Wells Riverside’; use the cultivar identity rather than treating that catalog wording as a different form. Utah State University lists a mature size of about 40 to 50 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. ## Siting and care Plant in full sun or partial shade in soil that drains well. Serbian spruce prefers consistent moisture during establishment and dry weather, and poor drainage can stress the roots. Give the crown room to develop; its somewhat pendulous branch tips turn upward and create the characteristic outline. The species tolerates alkaline soils and urban conditions, though performance is best where summer heat is not excessive. ## Maintenance Water deeply while the tree establishes, then during extended dry periods. Keep turf and competing plants away from the trunk, and renew mulch without piling it against the bark. Remove damaged branches selectively and avoid shearing the natural conical form. Watch for common spruce pests and address problems early. See the [American Conifer Society ‘Riverside’ profile](https://conifersociety.org/conifers/picea-omorika-riverside), [Utah State University Varga Arboretum profile](https://extension.usu.edu/botanicalcenter/trees-of-varga-arboretum/riverside-serbian-spruce), and [University of Illinois Extension Serbian spruce guide](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=238&PlantTypeID=7).