Picea sitchensis
This, the largest spruce species in the world, reaches heights of more than 175 feet and widths greater than 5 feet in diameter. The thin gray bark of the young tree changes to a purple-brown color with scaly plates as it ages. The sharp, pointy leaves circle the twigs and the light brown
papery cones hang from the ends of the twigs.

The fine grain and good strength-to-weight ratio of the long straight trunk made this species valuable in building airplane wing spars during both World Wars. The Spruce Goose, built by Howard Hughes, was largely composed of this species.

The native coastal peoples had many uses for the Sitka Spruce. Some ate the young shoots raw (for vitamin C). Others used the leaves in ceremonies. The inner bark was used as a laxative. The pitch served as a medicine, elixir and salve for many ailments and skin irritations.