white spruce (Picea glauca )

Champion white spruce (removed) in Fort Collins.

Species info:

Needles: Persistent for several years; crowded on the upper side of twigs; pale green to dull blue-green; ½–¾ inch long; stiff and four-sided (typical of spruces).

Cones: Mature cones are ¾–1 inch long; initially bright green; found on the same tree as male cones (monoecious).

Bark: Thin, flaky or scaly; ashy brown; freshly exposed bark appears somewhat silvery.

Branching: Horizontal to ascending; dense and regular arrangement.

Form: Broad, dense pyramid when young; becomes tall, narrow, and spire-like with age.

Overall Appearance: Medium-sized evergreen with fine texture and symmetrical shape; often mistaken for blue spruce but with paler, duller foliage.

Botanical: Picea glauca

Family: Pinaceae

Mature Height: 40–60 feet

Canopy Spread: 15–25 feet

Foliage Type: Evergreen

Tree Shape: Broad dense pyramid in youth; tall, narrow, dense spire when mature

Flowers: Inconspicuous

Fruit: Cones, initially bright green, maturing to brown

Fall Color: Evergreen; foliage remains pale green to dull blue-green year-round

Water Use: Moderate; adapted to mountain west conditions

Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–6

Wildlife Value: Provides cover for birds and small mammals; seeds eaten by wildlife

Pests/Pathogens: Gall aphid (minor aesthetic damage)

Recommended for planting:

Information sources: Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (University of Georgia, 1990) Ohio State University's Plant Dictionary.