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Picea, Genus, engelmannii, Species,

Genus & species

Engelmann spruce

Pinaceae Mountains of western North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 2–6

Overview

Picea engelmannii is a large evergreen conifer in the pine family (Pinaceae), reaching 80-130 feet (24-40 m) tall, occasionally more, with a narrow, spire-like crown and a trunk to 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter. The four-sided needles are 0.6-1.2 inches (15-30 mm) long, blue-green to gray-green with a waxy bloom, and give off a sharp scent when crushed; they are soft-pointed compared with the stiff needles of P. pungens. Young twigs are finely hairy, a feature that separates it from related spruces. Pollination occurs in late spring, with reddish male and purplish young female cones; the seed cones mature to 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm), light brown, with thin, papery scales that fall the first winter. P. engelmannii grows in cold, high mountains of western North America, mostly between 5,000 and 12,000 feet (1,500-3,700 m), where it forms extensive subalpine forests, often with subalpine fir. It is very cold hardy and long-lived but grows slowly and struggles in heat, drought, and low elevations. Stands are subject to periodic outbreaks of spruce beetle, which can kill mature trees.

Native Range

Native to the mountains of western North America, from British Columbia and Alberta south through the Rocky Mountains to Arizona and New Mexico, with populations in the Cascades and interior ranges. It grows in cold subalpine forests, generally between 5,000 and 12,000 feet (1,500-3,700 m).

Suggested Uses

Grown in large landscapes, parks, and mountain properties in cold climates as a specimen and screen, and used in reforestation and watershed protection at high elevations. Its dense crown gives cover and its seeds feed birds and small mammals. Its eventual height and need for cool, moist conditions limit it to spacious, cool-climate sites.

How to Identify

Recognized by its narrow, spire-shaped crown and four-sided blue-green needles that roll easily between the fingers and smell sharp when crushed. The young twigs are finely hairy, unlike the smooth twigs of blue spruce. The hanging seed cones are 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long with thin, papery, ragged-edged scales. Its high-elevation subalpine setting and soft-pointed needles separate it from blue and white spruce.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height80' - 130'

Width/Spread15' - 25'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Flowers: May–June

Spring

Like other conifers, it does not bloom but releases pollen in late spring, usually May and June, from small reddish male cones. Purplish young seed cones stand upright at first, then bend downward as they enlarge. Pollen release lasts one to two weeks and varies with elevation.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

reddish male and purplish female cones

Foliage Description

blue-green to gray-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 7.0 (Acidic to neutral)

3579

Soil Types

loam sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Picea engelmannii grows in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained, acidic soils with a pH near 4.5 to 7.0, including loamy, sandy, and rocky types. It needs cool conditions and steady moisture and grows poorly in heat, drought, or compacted urban soils. The tree is very cold hardy, suited to roughly USDA zones 2 to 6, and withstands deep snow and severe frost. Growth is slow, and the tree reaches full size only over many decades. Young trees tolerate some shade, while older ones need full light. Spruce beetle and windthrow on shallow mountain soils are the main risks to mature trees.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed, as the tree holds a natural spire form. Dead, damaged, or crossing branches can be removed in late winter. Lower limbs can be left in place, since the crown grows densely to the ground in open settings.