This is a medium-sized tree attaining an average maximum height between 60 and 70 ft. It has a narrow and dense crown typical of spruce spp.

 Length: 1/2- 5/8 in.

 Shape: stiff, sharp pointed

 Other: needles often curve upwards and are on raised pegs

The thin bark is gray-brown to red-brown in color and scaly when both young and old.

1-1.5 inch cones are chestnut-brown in color with very light scales.

The needles have more of a yellow-green tint than both white and black spruce. Needles on red spruce are more glossy and the bark has more of a red tint than white spruce.

Most populations are concentrated in New Brunswick, New Hampshire, Vermont, and upstate New York. Isolated populations occur in the southern Appalachians at altitudes above 5000 ft.

This species is relatively tolerant of shade, but less so than fir. It prefers moist upland soils.

It is commonly associated with Fraser fir in the southern Appalachians. As Fraser fir has continued to die off, red spruce has become more susceptible to wind throw.