Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Family: Pinacea
Zone: 2 - 7
Zone: 2 - 7
The Colorado spruce or blue spruce is a native to the moist higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains. It is a tall, pyramid shaped tree reaching a height of 50 ft at maturity. It is often planted as a specimen tree due to its striking silver-blue colored needles. The needles are sharp pointed and have an unpleasant smell, hence the specific name; pungens. Colorado blue spruce trees here in Minnesota are often susceptible to Cytospora canker, a fungal disease resulting in browning needles and random dying branches throughout the tree canopy. The fungus attacks older trees that have suffered winter stress, snow damage or insect infestation. Norway spruce or white spruce trees are more adaptable to the Minnesota winters and are thus less susceptible to Cytospora disease.