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PICEA glauca 'Conica'

Image of Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Conica'

James H. Schutte

Family

Pinaceae

Botanical Name

PICEA glauca var. albertiana 'Conica'

Plant Common Name

Alberta Spruce, Dwarf Alberta Spruce

General Description

Alberta spruce is a large evergreen conifer from southwestern Canada, Montana, and Wyoming. Its dwarf cultivar 'Conica' is widely planted and admired for its compact, pyramidal habit.

Discovered in Alberta in 1904, 'Conica' grows slowly into a large conical shrub whose fine, dense, bright green foliage gives it a mossy appearance. Crushed needles emit a pungent, skunky smell.

White spruce grows its finest in full sun and moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. This dwarf conifer tolerates drought, salt, extreme cold, and other environmental stresses. Prolonged exposure to very cold, dry winter winds will lead to foliage and twig dieback. This cultivar is useful for foundation plantings, containers, hedges, mixed borders, entryways, and rock gardens. In hot summer areas, watch for spidermite infestations during drier parts of the growing season.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    7 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    2 - 7

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m

  • Width

    4'-8' / 1.2m - 2.4m

  • Native To

    Canada

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Pyramidal

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Platy

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No