The Colorado Blue Spruce is one of the most widely used landscape trees across the country

The Colorado Blue Spruce, often referred to as simply the Blue Spruce or Colorado Spruce is an evergreen tree that grows to medium size of approximately 75 feet. This popular tree has scaly bark and has proven popular with garden owners. Those strains with the brightest blue foliage have become the most widely sought after for landscape plantings.

Range

The Colorado Spruce is native to North America, particularly along the range of the Rocky Mountains. It enjoys high altitudes and high moisture levels so is most often found alongside mountain streams. As the name might suggest, it is the state tree of Colorado, but also of Utah.

Growing Conditions

Compared to other spruces, the Colorado Spruce is a particularly hardy specimen. While it prefers moisture and rich soil, it can tolerate droughts and poor seasons where similar spruce species would not survive. The Colorado Spruce is also very resistant to deer and other grazing animals, making it very popular in areas where these pests can be a serious threat to the landscape.

Form

The strong blue foliage of the Colorado Spruce attracts many for a unique contrasting color in the garden

This tree takes on a formal and symmetrical shape, although as the tree ages it may begin to lose this profile and take an overgrown appearance if not properly cared for. Pruning should be done every year in early spring and needs become more elaborate as the tree ages to keep the cylindrical shape that is coveted by so many gardeners.

Uses

While the Blue Spruce is sometimes used as a Christmas tree, most notably as the National Christmas Tree planted in Washington D. C., it can have very sharp needles. As such, its use in this respect is not recommended for families with small children. It is, though, one of the most common conifers to appear in gardens across the country.

This tree can be used as a windbreak, sunscreen, or privacy screen in any garden. However, it can be extremely overbearing in its appearance. As such, it is best employed as a single focal point or accent within a garden environment. Mass planting is not recommended, especially in smaller or even medium sized landscapes.

The Colorado Blue Spruce has a striking appearance, thanks largely to its brightly colored foliage. Ranging from silver to blue, the sharp pines are the most prominent characteristic of this tree. This hardy and resilient spruce is best suited to large spaces because of its overpowering appearance.