This slow growing coniferous tree has drooping branches to ground level that radiate from the greyish trunk and matures to a pyramidal habit. It has silvery blue needle-like leaves and the yellowish male flowers appear during spring followed by cones.

Hardiness zones 2 to 10

Picea pungens is naturally found in north-west America growing in the Rocky Mountains from Colorado to eastern Utah and extending to New Mexico at varying elevations from 2,000m (6,000ft) to 3,600m (11,000ft). It is found growing along stream banks, singularly or in small groves.

It prefers a deep moist well drained fertile soil in a open sunny position and is frost and snow tolerant but drought tender.

The Blue Spruce is slow growing and is planted for its attractive foliage. It is used in parks and large gardens as a specimen or for colour contrast. It is suitable for low-mountain regions and establishes in 5 to 7 years forming deep roots. The cultivars are used in rockeries or as a container plant, colour contrast and in formal gardens. ID 221

Picea (pi-SEE-ah) pungens (PUNG-genz)

'Picea': Latin name for the spruce; 'pungens': piercing (refers to the pointed leaves).

Pinaceae (py-NAY-see-ee)
Larches, spruces, pines, firs, hemlocks and cedars