I think the shade tolerance/sun requirements of these two species would be generally similar. I doubt that really specific information is available. For best growth/ best appearance, both will need full sun. But both can persist and maintain enough health to respond to release for some extended period of time in moderate shade. One problem making it difficult to get really specific information about small differences in shade tolerance, is that the relative shade tolerance of these species can be variable, depending on climate, soils, and specific strains of the Norway spruce involved. What seems true in one situatiion may not be true in another. Also, I think it would be difficult to find situations where the two species are both growing together in shaded sites so that good direct comparisons could be make--if fact, if there are any, I would think it would be very, very few. If you want a shade tolerant conifer, go with hemlock, if your area is free of wolly adelgids. Other wonderful shade tolerant trees are sugar maple and beech. I would go with those. Niether Norway spruce nor black hills spruce will provide really good long-term growth in shade, but both have considerable shade tolerance compared to many other kinds of trees. For a general comparison, both would have better shade tolerance than eastern white pine, which does have some reasonable shade tolerance when young. --Spruce

I have read several lists of trees and shrubs that are tolerant to the juglone toxicity caused by black walnuts, however, I have not found anything about whether black hills spruce are resistant or sensitive to juglone. Can the two species co-exist? I have seen that Norway Spruce are juglone tolerant but I would prefer the black hills variety.

I have read several lists of trees and shrubs that are tolerant to the juglone toxicity caused by black walnuts, however, I have not found anything about whether black hills spruce are resistant or sensitive to juglone. Can the two species co-exist? I have seen that Norway Spruce are juglone tolerant but I would prefer the black hills variety.

Ilove, you'd be far better off with your native version of white spruce, of which there must be many in your region. Black Hills' is a real dog of a spruce IMO. the worst possible choice for anyone east of the Big Muddy. Acclimated to dry, Rocky Mountains air, not humid upstate NY. Do as thou silt, but in case it's not obvious, I think very little of this tree, and especially, the way it just won't go away in the landscape trade. Very prone to needlecast diseases. +oM