Colorado Spruce
Scientific Name: Picea pungens
Family: Pinaceae
Location on Campus: 46.895722, -96.803194
Description: A tall evergreen that sometimes has attractive blue tinted needles. Often has a tall, pyramidal habit but there are
numerous cultivars giving a variety of sizes, shapes and uses in the landscape.
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 3 – 7
Mature Size: Height: 30 – 60’ , Spread: 10 – 20’
Form (Shape): Dense, with narrow to broad pyramidal habit
Growth Rate: Slow to medium
Foliage: Evergreen: Single needles ¾ - 1¼” long, prickly, usually green to blue green with silver gray tint
Texture: Medium to coarse
Flower: Not ornamental
Fruit: Oblong cones
Special Features: Some plants in this species have blue tinted needles making them more attractive than the straight green.
Light Preferences: Full sun
Soil Preferences: Rich, moist soil
Propagation: Seed and grafting onto seedling rootstocks.
Ornamental Attributes: Blue tinted needles
Landscape Attributes: Some cultivars prove better as specimens in landscape, such as dwarves while larger trees work best as wind breaks or in groupings.
Comments: An overused plant but still important to the industry due to its blue color and being evergreen. This species is highly
susceptible to needle cast which will cause them to drop their older needles. It can be prevented through a fungicide treatment.
Availability: Readily available with multiple cultivars.
