Picea pungens cvColorado (Blue) Spruce

Krystal MendezEnvironmental Science & Natural Resources

October 28, 2014/Period 3Conifers

Native to the Southern Rocky Mountains (Northwestern

America) Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona

Geographical Origin

Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7 Pyramidal conifer (tree) Needled Evergreen Height

30 to 40ft Spread

10 to 20ft

General Information

Medium to large in size Narrow and pyramidal with horizontal branching

towards the ground Could possibly reach 100ft where grown naturally Four-angled blue-green to silver-blue needles point

outward from multiple directions, sharp 1.5in long

Cylindrical light brown cones (have flexible scales) 4in long

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sun exposure

Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade Water requirements

Medium moisture Slightly xeraphytic

Site requirements Grows beset in well-drained soils, acidic and rich Prefers cool climates, struggles in heat and humidity

Requirements

Ornamental and or general landscaping

Symmetrical form Waxy and bluish foliage

Christmas tree Windbreak or screen

Reduce wind impact Privacy

Landscape Uses

Low maintenance

Healthy unstressed spruces Could be more of a medium maintenance if stressed

Pest problems Potential diseases

Maintenance

Possibilities of needle cast, canker, and rust

Needle cast: fungicide with active ingredient of chlorothalonil for chemical control

Canker: cut diseased branches beck to the nearest laterals (cannot be efficiently controlled)

Rust: reduce moisture on needles and spacing trees for air circulation

Aphids, scale, budworms, and bagworms Control: chemical controls or horticultural oil and

insecticidal soaps Spider mites can create substantial problems for the

trees overall health Control: releasing natural enemies onto the tree

(predatory mites), petroleum-based horticultural oils

Pest or Other Problems

http://

homeguides.sfgate.com/care-maintenance-colorado-blue-spruce-trees-35683.html

http://plants.usda.gov/java/ http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/ http://

www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/Volume_1/picea/pungens.htm

References