Dwarf spruce is a needled evergreen tree in the pine family (Pinaceae). It is a variety of Colorado spruce, a native of the western United States. The origin of this variety is not known. This tree needs average, well-drained soil in full sun. It does best in cool-weather summers and will grow more slowly in the hot, humid Southeast. Native trees will be a better choice for North Carolina, although dwarf spruce may tolerate the summer weather in the North Carolina mountains. It is slow growing, reaching only 1 to 5 feet in 10 years. This spruce is a compact, densely branched, flat-topped evergreen with long blue, sharp-tipped needles. Over time, its low horizontal branches form a skirt that spreads along the ground. If planted in the landscape, blue spruce makes an attractive specimen or accent plant. Its size makes it suitable in small spaces. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant has no serious pest issues but can be affected by aphids, scale, budworms and bagworms. New growth and overall health of this tree can be affected by spider mites. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for " Trees, Shrubs and Conifers ", a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Picea pungens .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheCedrus deodara 'Snow Sprite'Tsuga canadensis Emerald Fountain® 'Monler'x Hesperotropsis leylandii 'Reco'