Scientific Name
Picea pungens ‘Glauca Pendula’ ‘Weeping Blue Spruce’
The narrow weeping form of Colorado blue spruce is a curious plant that has been cultivated for many years. It is often allowed to grow low along the ground, though it is frequently staked to heights of 4 to 6 feet or more so the branches can spill downward and creep outward over a considerable distance. Some specimens, like the Regis tree, can be trained upward into a more vertical form and eventually reach heights of around 20 feet.
The Regis specimen stands 21 feet tall and is currently the largest of its kind in Colorado, as well as the only one listed on the state champion tree list. According to Oregon State University, this cultivar was first discovered in Trianon Park at Versailles, France, before 1867 and later “rediscovered” at the Morton Arboretum near Chicago in 1982. From there, it gained popularity as the nursery industry began promoting it more widely. Given its apparent age, the Regis tree likely belongs to this earlier generation of plants rather than to one of the newer upright weeping cultivars now available.
This tree is easily recognized as a blue spruce by its silvery-blue foliage and sharp, pointed needles. It also shares the other notable characteristics of the species, including exceptional cold hardiness, longevity, tolerance for full sun, drought resistance and adaptability to a wide range of soils.