Blue Spruce

The blue spruce is an extremely resilient species that can withstand massive temperature changes, air pollution, and draught. They belong to the pine family.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Pinaceae
Genus	Picea
Scientific Name	Picea pungens

Quick Information

Other Names	Colorado blue spruce, Colorado spruce, and green spruce, water spruce
Tree Type	Evergreen conifer
Identification	Height: Around 50-75 ft (15.24-22.8 m) sometimes as tall as 150 ft (45.7 m) Needles: Bluish green pointed needles sizing around 1 in (3 cm) Trunk Diameter: Around 5 ft (1.5 m) Cones: Pale brown in color with an approximate length of 4 in (10.16 cm) Bark: Scaly and grey Branches: Yellowish-brown
Distribution/Range	Southern and central Rocky Mountains including Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona, and Idaho
Habitat	Humid canyon bottoms, steep mountain ranges of fir and spruce woods, mid-montane forests at elevations of 5,905-9,842 ft
Hardiness Zones	3-7
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	150-600 years
Growing Conditions	Soil Requirements: Mineral and moisture enriched soil Light Requirements: Balanced exposure to sun and shade
Diseases & Pests	Diseases: Fungi-caused cankers or plant disease and needle casting ailments Pests: Pineapple gall adelgid, nymphs, spruce budworm, pine needle scales, spruce beetles
Reproductive System	Monoecious
Propagation	By seeds
Seedling Development	Germination happens during the spring season or early summer
Wildlife Value	Provides food for grouse birds and finches while serves as an excellent spot for roosting, nesting and winter shelter
Cultivars	Baby Blue Baby Blue Eyes Hoopsii Glauca Pendula Koster Glauca Globosa Glauca Jean’s Dilly Fat Albert Some of these cultivars are known as dwarf blue spruce
Uses	Medicinal Purpose: Two Native American tribes, Keres and Navajo use an infusion of the blue spruce needles for curing colds, stomach problems, and rheumatic pains Ceremonial Purpose: The tribal people also use the twigs of the tree as a good luck charm to give people For Christmas decorations, this tree is also a common  choice for people
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Interesting Facts

• Blue spruce happens to be the state tree of two states, Colorado and Utah.
• Its latin name ‘pungens’ means sharp and pointy, referring to the needle shape of the blue spruce.
• Sometimes, these trees have a powdery and waxy layer that is responsible for the bluish tone of the needles. The color is susceptible to decaying due to pest attack.
• Usually the tree grows around 12 inches in a year, but in an optimum condition it can grow up to 2 ft in a single year.

References

1. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/picea-pungens/
2. http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/loch_spen/Introduction.htm
3. https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/picpun/all.html
4. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/blue-spruce/
5. https://realchristmastrees.org/education/tree-varieties/colorado-blue-spruce/
6. https://www.thespruce.com/colorado-blue-spruce-trees-2132082