Picea pungens, or Colorado spruce, is a native to North American evergreen known for its striking silvery-blue foliage and symmetrical shape. Native to Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Thriving in full sun and acidic, well-drained soils, it�s a hardy tree that tolerates some alkaline soils and is drought-tolerant once mature. However, young trees need consistent moisture, especially during establishment. While blue spruce excels in cooler climates, it may struggle in hot, humid conditions, becoming susceptible to pests like spider mites, spruce budworm, and diseases such as cankers and needle cast. Proper spacing and good airflow help reduce these issues.
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Planting Site and Native Range
Planting Site
Parks, Highway, Residential, Wide Median
Management Notes
Management Notes
None of significance
Tree Characteristics
Growth Rate
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
Width
3 - 6m
Height
9 - 18m
Soil Quantity
0 - 10 m
Leaves
Evergreen
Insects and Diseases
Insects and Diseases
No serious or common issues in the urban environment. Some common issues for shade trees include Eastern Spruce gall adelgid, canker, spruce budworm and spider mites .
Tree Tolerances
Soil Salt Tolerance
Unknown
Salt Spray Tolerance
Tolerant
Flooding Tolerance
Low
Drought Tolerance
High
pH Tolerance
Tolerant of acid to alkaline soil (5.0 to 8.0)
Shade Tolerance
Full Sun Part Shade
Plant Hardiness Zone
Zone 3 (a/b) | Zone 4 (a/b) | Zone 5 (a/b) | Zone 6 (a/b)