Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Picea pungens Engelm.
Blue spruce, Colorado spruce
Pinaceae (Pine Family)
Naturally conical in shape, the stiff, unbending branches of blue spruce grow outward in a dense pattern creating a formal outline. The
tree can become open and poorly-shaped in maturity. Needles are 1/2 - 1 1/4 in., stiff, and vary from green to silver-blue. New growth is light blue. In the wild, blue spruce grows from 50-100 ft., but it is usually shorter in cultivation.
Cultivated varieties of Blue Spruce include several with dramatic bluish-white and silvery-white foliage. It is a popular Christmas
tree and is also used in shelterbelts.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Complexity: Simple Leaf: Green
Fruit: Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AZ , CO , ID , ME , MD , MA , NM , NY , PA , UT , WY
Native Distribution: Mts. of w. WY & e. ID, s. to AZ & NM
Native Habitat: Mountain conifer forests
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(I) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Due to its naturally symetrical form, pruning is seldom necessary and maintenance is minimal. More drought-tolerant than other Picea spp. Subject to spruce gall aphid and other pests.
Last Update: 2008-04-01
