Plant Encyclopedia

Description:

A high quality evergreen accent tree with large stout branches and long, very pointy needles in colors ranging from bright green to silver blue, different from tree to tree; extremely hardy and rugged, makes an excellent windbreak

Ornamental Features

Colorado Spruce is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has rich green evergreen foliage which emerges bluish-green in spring. The needles remain green throughout the winter. The rough gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Colorado Spruce is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Colorado Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Vertical Accent
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Colorado Spruce will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.