Mark A. Miller
Family
Pinaceae
Botanical Name
PICEA pungens 'Sunshine'
Plant Common Name
Colorado Spruce, Sunshine Colorado Spruce
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Colorado spruce is a medium to large pyramidal evergreen conifer native to the central and southern Rocky Mountains in the western United States. In its native habitat, this exceptionally hardy tree exists in moist, cool spots and is commonly found along streamsides in mixed conifer forests. Due to its resilience and beauty, it has become a popular landscape tree and many exceptional cultivated varieties exist.
The stiff, prickly-when-grasped needles of this tree are green to silvery blue and aromatic and pungent when crushed. In the springtime, male and female cones are produced. The female, or seed, cones are 2.5 to 4 inches (6-10 centimeters) long and have scales that are thin, flexible and elongated. The branches are dense and provide important cover for forest animals large and small.
Colorado spruce is best situated in a full sun location with well-drained, fertile soil. It can withstand many stresses including drought, pollution, salt and wind. Use it as a specimen or screen in a spacious setting such as park, large lawn, gold course or campus. Many cultivars are available, including dwarf forms that are well-suited to small garden spaces, and more intensely blue-leaved selections. Those with exceptionally blue needles are found in the Glauca Group and always referred to as Colorado blue spruces.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
30'-80' / 9.1m - 24.4m (60)
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Width
10'-30' / 3.0m - 9.1m (20)
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Native To
Western United States
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green, Steel Blue
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green, Steel Blue
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green, Steel Blue
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Blue Green, Gray Green, Steel Blue
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Fissured
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
