Picea pungens

Picea pungens, commonly known as the Colorado blue spruce, is a species of spruce tree native to the Rocky Mountains of the United States. It is a slow-growing, long-lived tree that is widely cultivated for its distinctive blue-green color and symmetrical form.

Description

Picea pungens grows to heights of 23–27 meters (75–90 feet), with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). The bark is thin and scaly, flaking off in small circular plates 5–10 cm across. The crown is conical, with branches that extend to the ground.

The leaves are needle-like, 15–30 mm long, stout, rhombic in cross-section, bluish-gray with conspicuous stomatal lines. The cones are pendulous, 6–12 cm long and 2 cm broad when closed, opening to 4 cm broad. They have thin, flexible scales 15–20 mm long.

Distribution and habitat

Picea pungens is native to the Rocky Mountains of the United States, where it is found in scattered populations from Idaho and Montana south to New Mexico. It grows at altitudes of 1,800–3,000 meters (5,900–9,800 feet), typically in cool, moist environments.

Cultivation and uses

The Colorado blue spruce is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. It is also used as a Christmas tree and for landscaping due to its symmetrical form and attractive blue-green color. The wood is used for general construction and in the manufacture of paper.

Conservation status

While Picea pungens is not currently considered threatened, it is subject to a number of threats, including climate change, pests, and diseases.

See also

• List of Picea species
• Spruce