Blue Spruce

(Picea pungens)

Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Picea pungens, commonly known as Blue Spruce, is an evergreen tree native to the Rocky Mountains of the United States. It is typically found in moist, cool, and well-drained soils in montane, subalpine, and riparian zones. In its natural habitat, Blue Spruce can reach up to 23 meters (75 feet) in height, but in cultivated landscapes, it usually grows to about 15 meters (49 feet) tall and 5 meters (16 feet) wide. The species is characterized by its stiff, horizontal branches and needle-like leaves, which range in color from silvery blue to greenish-blue. The bark is scaly and gray on the trunk, with yellowish-brown branches. Blue Spruce is particularly noted for its distinctive blue foliage, which makes it a popular ornamental tree in parks and gardens.

Blue Spruce is valued for its striking blue needles and conical form, making it a favored choice for visual interest and as a focal point in landscape design. It is also commonly used as a Christmas tree. This tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soil. While generally low-maintenance, Blue Spruce can be susceptible to pests like spider mites and diseases such as cytospora canker. Gardeners should be aware of potential needle drop, which can occur due to environmental stress or disease.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 30-60 feet
  • Width: 10-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Moist, cool, and well-drained soils in montane, subalpine, and riparian zones of the Rocky Mountains

Other Names

Common Names: Colorado Blue Spruce , Colorado Spruce , Silver Spruce , Green Spruce , White Spruce , Smrk Pichlavý , Stechfichte , Blaufichte , Blautanne , Kolorado-Fichte

Scientific Names: Picea pungens , Picea pungens var. glauca , Picea pungens f. glauca , Picea pungens f. pendens , Picea parryana , Picea pungens f. argentea , Picea pungens var. compacta , Picea pungens var. kosteriana , Picea pungens var. pendula , Picea pungens var. viridis

GBIF Accepted Name: Picea pungens Engelm.