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Blue Spruce, Colorado Spruce
Scientific Name: Picea pungens Engelm.
Synonym: Picea parryana, Picea commutata
Family: Pinaceae

Show Larger Picture Picea pungens, Herman, D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 1-6,14-17 USDA: 2 to 10 Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade Origin: USA (central and southern Rocky Mountains) Growth Habits: medium to large, pyramidal, evergreen tree, 70 to 115 feet tall (21-33 m), 40 feet in diameter (12 m); yellow-green to bluish or white, four-angled, stiff, needles with sharp points, 0.8 to 1.25 inches long (2-3.2 cm) Watering Needs: Occasional water Propagation: Seeds

Fruiting Habits:
The Blue Spruce is monoecious. Trees older than 20 years, produce cylindrical, light brown, cones, 2.5 to 4 inches long (6.4-10 cm) with thin, flexible, pointed scales with jagged margins. The seeds are 0.13 inch long (0.3 cm).