A large tree, very dense and pyramidal when young. Not as drought tolerant as Colorado Spruce. Black Hills Spruce is a naturally occurring variety of white spruce native to South Dakota. Better adapted than White Spruce (Picea glauca) which is native in the eastern United States, as far west as Minnesota. Soil Texture - Grows best on moist loams. Water: Fairly drought resistant. Needs additional moisture during droughts. Light: Full sun.