Family: Pinaceae

This Tree in Colorado: It seems appropriate that the first "Feature Tree" for the Colorado Tree Coalition’s inaugural web site is the Colorado blue spruce, Colorado’s official state tree. This tree is one of the most popular trees planted in landscapes, not only in Colorado but throughout the west.

Growth Rate:  Slow for the first five years but then it grows quickly. If not provided enough room, it soon outgrows its space and then some.

Landscape Use:  Often used as an accent tree because of its dominating appearance when large. It is best used in groups. Great for visual screening and windbreaks. Leaving branches attached all the way to the ground gives a full pyramidal appearance. However, many are trimmed up for visibility and mowing.

Best Advice:  Give this tree plenty of room to grow. Do not plant within 12-15 feet of a sidewalk or structure. Definitely do not plant along a street or street corner.

Hardiness:  Zones 2-7. (USDA Hardiness Zones) It grows well in nearly all locations of Colorado.

Leaves:  Single needles all around the stem. Needles are very stiff and can puncture gloves and skin.


Insects and Disease:  Few. Subject to Cooley spruce gall aphid that attacks the young growth. It makes the tips of some branches look like a "cone." See photo at right. In most cases, this aphid is not worth treatment. The tree is not being greatly harmed. Wind throw is its deadliest "disease." Shallow roots and often grown in open areas, larger spruce trees are subject to being blown over by strong winds. Those grown in clumps are less susceptible to windthrow.

Native Habitat:  Commonly found along streams in southwestern Colorado and adjacent states. It adapts will to cultivated, drier conditions of the plains and in cities.