Sesegâtik

Black spruce

Picea mariana

Parts used medicinally

Inner bark, needles, twigs, resin

Medical Uses

Anti-inflammatory, good for coughs, excellent tonic and relaxant.

Tea/infusion of bark used for poultices, stomach pain, and dry skin.

Resin used for sores, and rashes.

Harvest

All year. Spruce tips are best harvested in the spring and early summer.

Cautions

Resins can cause skin irritation.

Climate Change Vulnerability

High

Factors involved

Although Black Spruce regenerates through the fire-cycle, severe fire can kill cone-stored seed and reduce overall germination rates.

Drier, warmer summers will not be good for the Black Spruce as water shortages and heat stress will make it difficult for Black Spruce to thrive, especially in its most southern-most range.