Threads 74: Gathering Spruce Roots

There are over 25 varieties of spruce trees, the most well known are Christmas trees, which we all know and recognize. In this area, we have many many tall spruce trees in our forests. They are particularly used as windbreaks on farms and country houses. Spruce trees also provide an excellent source of roots, and they are best known in the making of birch bark canoes and basketry.

Last weekend we had a workshop and collected spruce roots growing in my garden around the museum. I thought it might be interesting for readers to see how simple and easy it is to collect them. In the photo above is a spruce root medallion made by Roshell  Bissett following the workshop. 

Finding the roots near the tree trunk

The best season for collecting roots is spring or early summer when it is easy to peel off the outer layer of the root. You only need a garden fork, trowel, and pair of garden gloves. Look for a tree that does not have many shrubs growing close by, preferably, surrounded by grass and relatively flat ground. The larger the tree, the bigger and longer the roots.

Using a garden fork, gently dig into the ground in the direction of the root. Slightly lift the fork to feel a root growing just below the surface. Using your fingers, feel into the earth and you will find the root running under the ground. Using a trowel follow the root  along, pulling it with your fingers. Keep going until it gets too thin or divides. Respecting the indigenous culture, pause, and thank the tree for the offering.

Working the root loose from the soil

Keep the roots in a bucket with some water, and as soon as possible, remove the outer covering of the root. The easiest way to do this is to place a towel on your knee and hold a sharp knife in your right hand. Draw the root under the knife removing the peel. The peel should be a whitish colour if it is spruce.
At this point, it is also possible to divide the thicker roots into finer pieces. This is done by taking a knife and making a split at the thick end. Now, using your fingers, spread the two pieces apart and gently work down the route. If one side is getting thinner than the other side, pull more on the thick side to even out the two pieces. Sometimes it is difficult to divide the root if it is branching into two pieces.

Once peeled, the peeled roots can be saved and used anytime. and simply require soaking in water to make them pliable again. I have found them almost impossible to peel once they get dry. You can also use the same principle for gathering birch roots.

Peeling the root

Splitting the root