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Spruce, Colorado Blue
Picea pungens |
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Colorado’s state tree, Colorado Blue Spruce is native to
the Rocky Mountain region, thriving in moist mountain forests. Like
all spruces, it grows in a symmetrical, pyramidal form with branches
in layers. Unlike firs, which have a similar growth form, spruce
cones hang down, and their needles are stiff, with sharply pointed
ends. |
Height: 50’
Crown Spread: 25’
Growth Rate: moderate
Foliage: blue-green or steel-blue needles, one to
one and a half inches long
Fruit: two to four inch-long cones with papery scales
Soil: grows best in moist, well drained, fertile
soils, dislikes compacted soils
Water: medium to high
Sun: full to part, needles lose blue color in shade
Problems: adelgids form harmless galls; but when
stressed by heat and/or drought, subject to tip die-back due to aphids,
spider mites, and needle cast
Comments: Lack of deep roots mean Colorado Blue Spruce
can topple in high winds.
Street Tree: not recommended due to large size and
tendency to wind throw |
