Engelmann Spruce

Scientific name

Picea engelmannii

Description

The Engelmann Spruce is a coniferous evergreen tree species that typically grows about 45 m tall. This plant may also be known by the common name Alberta Spruce. The bark is thin and gray to reddish brown coloured. The needles are bluish green coloured, about 3 cm long, flexible, and are four sided. The cones are papery, diamond to elliptic shaped, and are a purplish colour, turning brown as they ripen. Engelmann Spruce provides valuable food and habitat to wildlife species like birds and small mammals. Spruce trees grow large and wide so are valuable for providing privacy and for wind breaks.

Planting conditions

Engelmann Spruce grows best in moist to normal conditions with full sun exposure. It prefers loamy soil with a normal pH level. It is tolerant of harsh winds and extreme colds. However, it may be intolerant of extreme heat and heavy clay soil. This tree can be naturally found in high elevation forests, subalpine mountains, and along cold streams.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 45 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m