Picea omorika, also known as Serbian Spruce, is a rare and local spruce with a total range of only about 60 ha in western Serbia and eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was first discovered in 1875 and named by a Serbian botanist. This evergreen tree is medium-sized, growing up to 35m tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1m. It has needle-like leaves, dark blue-green above and blue-white below. Its cones are spindle-shaped and purple when young, maturing to a dark brown. The Serbian Spruce prefers moist, drained loam but is adaptable to various soil types. It is grown for ornamental purposes in large gardens and for timber and paper production. Its slow growth rate makes it less important than other types of spruce. This species is not a significant source of nutrition but provides cover for birds and small mammals. It is a good choice for a specimen tree or planting in small groupings. It is one of the most graceful and beautiful spruces and is excellent for the U.S. Northeast. Dirr recommends it for use as an evergreen street tree. Plant it in deep, rich soil and part shade.