Picea pungens (Colorado Blue Spruce) is a popular evergreen tree that is native to the western regions of North America. The Colorado Blue Spruce is grown around the world for its stunning blue foliage, low maintenance and use as a Christmas tree and bonsai specimen.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Picea pungens is also commonly known as the Green Spruce, Blue Spruce and the Colorado Spruce. Among native American tribes this species also held some medicinal properties.
For more varieties that are ideal for bonsai growing click here.
Growth
Picea pungens is a coniferous, evergreen tree that grows to a maximum height of 23 metres (75 feet) and a maximum width of 5 metres (16 feet). It is a columnar style conifer which grows dense horizontal branches, has scaly bark on its trunk and has yellowish to brown branches.
Waxy grey-green leaves that are up to 3cm (1 inch) long, are arranged radially on the shoots which curve upwards. They are sharply pointed which is the translation in Latin for ‘pungens’, the plants’ epithet. Cones reach 10cm (4 inches) long and whereas males can be found all over the tree, females reside only near the top.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Pinaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-30 to 30°C / -25 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil but does not like boggy or clay soils that retain excess moisture.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 23 metres (75 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 5 metres (16 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated
MATURITY:
20-25 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
70-84%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak 24 hours
Cold Stratification for 4 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
80
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
An infusion of the needles is used to treat colds.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Young shoots can be used to make tea.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT PICEA PUNGENS (Colorado Blue Spruce)
Colorado Blue Spruce is the state tree of…. you guessed it, Colorado.
Many specimens of Picea pungens are found grown as ornamental trees across cities in the United States and in Europe. Its growing in popularity as a Christmas tree and is a favourite among bonsai collectors.
In traditional medicine, an infusion of the needles is used to treat colds and settle the stomach. This liquid is also used externally for rheumatic pains. The young shoot tips make a refreshing tea and are rich in Vitamin C.
The lumber has very little commercial value, but is used for construction and in the pulp industry to make paper.
For more information regarding the Colorado Blue Spruce click here.
