This large coniferous tree has a trunk up to 1 m (3 ft) in diameter with thick fissured grey bark and spreading-ascending branches with pendant branchlets that form a broad conical habit. It has dark green pointed needle-like leaves and produces cones in autumn.

Hardiness zones 5 to 8 

Picea brachytyla is naturally found from a central to western China forming forests on the mountains typically in cold and wet monsoon climates and enjoying abundant moisture at an elevation of 1,300 m to 3,800 m (11,500 ft). 

It prefers an open sunny position and grows in deep well-drained fertile moist soils with a pH 4-6. It is drought tender and dislikes atmospheric pollution or acid rain but will tolerate wind when grown in deep soils. 

Sargent Spruce is grown for its habit and foliage. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a lawn specimen or used in woodland settings. It is suitable for mountainous regions and establishes in 5-7 years and is long-lived. The timber is used in the construction industry or as pulp for paper. When planting out take care not to disturb the roots and the young trees are slow growing at first. ID 3591
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Note
In its native habitat it has become vulnerable as it has been logged extensively for its soft timber which is used for general construction or pulped to make paper. 

Picea (pi-SEE-ah) brachytyla (BRAK-ee-TY-lah)

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