Sitka spruce, the largest of the world's spruces, is an important component of British Columbia's coastal forests. Its ecology gives it a special place in the sustainable management of the province's forests. However, in west coast forestry it is poorly known in comparison with its main coniferous companions -- Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and western hemlock. As an important international forestry resource, it is crucial that Sitka spruce -- its ecology and the ecosystems in which it occurs -- be clearly understood by those who are involved with its management.

This book is the most recent major work on the ecology and management of Sitka spruce. The authors describe how this fascinating tree reproduces, grows, and functions in its natural geographic range. They discuss both the ecology of Sitka spruce and silvicultural questions such as original plantation spacing, juvenile spacing, and fertilization to accelerate the harvestability of second-growth coastal spruce stands.

Sitka spruce derives its importance not only from its prominence as an international transportable genetic resource but also from its role in riparian systems and its biodiversity values. Here in North America's west coast rainforest, this magnificent tree illustrates the ecology of complex forest ecosystems and their cultural, wilderness, historic, and economic values.