Southern Utah University

Table of Contents

Locations

  1. Campus Features

    1. Tree Tour

      1. Blue Spruce, Colorado Spurce (Picea pungens)

        Latin Name - Picea pungens
        Height - 30-60 feet
        Spread - 10-20 feet
        Growth Rate - Slow
        USDA Zone - 3
        Drought Tolerance - Moderate

        A common landscape evergreen, blue spruce was until recently the state tree of Utah. It is characterized by dense, rigid growth, sharp-pointed needles and cones about 5" in length with wavy-edged cone scales. A shallow root system makes large trees susceptible to blowing over in high winds. Blue spruces can be green, since seed grown plants vary in leaf color. Vividly colored plants must be vegetatively propagated to assure consistent color.