Colorado (Blue) Spruce

General
Scientific Name: Picea pungens
Family: Pinaceae (Pine)
Hardiness: Zone 2
Leaves: Evergreen
Plant Type: Tree
Growth
Rate: Medium
Mature Height: >45’
Longevity: Long
Power Line: No
Ornamental
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Tan cones
Fall Color: n/a

A broad, dense, pyramidal tree with stiff branches nearly horizontal to the ground. Native to intermountain states of the west. Choice specimen tree, but increasing disease problems. The largest Colorado (blue) spruce tree in North Dakota is 85 feet tall with a canopy spread of 30 feet.

Light: Full sun, does not tolerate shade.
Water: Does not tolerate flooding. While most drought tolerant of the spruce trees, drought can also result in problems with Valsa canker.
Soil: Performs well on a wide variety of soils.

Susceptible to Valsa canker and the needlecast diseases, plus a number of additional insect and disease pests. Several ornamental cultivars available including: 

Blue Globe spruce - Excellent blue-needled dwarf bush. 

Hoops blue spruce - Striking steel blue. 

'Iseli Foxtail’ blue spruce - Blue, bushy needled form. 

Commonly used in shelterbelts and windbreaks.