Spruce, Blue

Common Names:  Colorado Blue Spruce, Silver Spruce.

Botanical Name:  Picea pungens galuca. Family: Pinaceae (Pine family). 

Characteristics:  Distinctive evergreen tree.  Size: Height 40 - 80 feet, occasionally over 100 feet spread 30 - 40 feet, final spacing 30 - 40 feet. Tree has a layered look and it is the slowest growing of the trees in the spruce family. Bark: Purplish gray to brown flakey and reddish brown and furrowed with age.  Foliage:  Stiff short sharp pointed bluish green leaves spreading out all around the twig somewhat upswept and curved.  Twigs are very short stout, shiny and yellowish brown. Flowers and Fruit: Seed cones are cylindrical long scaly shiny chestnut brown tapered slightly to a jagged tip.

Natural Habitat and Adaptive Range: Rocky mountain region of the United States but can be successful in many parts of the country except for the hot and humid areas where the tree would struggle in the summer. Blue Spruce likes cooler climates and can even survive ice storms well due to its strong branching also make it ideal as a Christmas tree. Zones 3 - 8.

Management: Pruning should not be done during damp weather. Possible Problems: Aphids can sometimes be a problem also bagworms, spider mites and needle miners. Garrett Juice with Bio Wash is the solution. Needle cast disease can be a problem and it is the same solution can also be helped by air circulation around the trees. White pine weevil can sometimes kill the terminal growth on a blue spruce that is in stress. Propagation: Seeds or stem cuttings.

Notes:  Many cultivars over 50 are available. Deer can sometimes be a problem, especially on young plants but Deer Scram is the solution.

On planting use my basic recommendations that are under Organic Guides on the Home page of the web site.

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