Colorado Blue Spruce

Picea pungens
Colorado blue spruce

Picea pungens is a species of spruce native to western North America, from southeastern Idaho and southwestern Wyoming through Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. It is the official state tree of both Colorado and Utah. The species generally reaches a height of 65 to 115 feet. Its symmetrical form and attractive blue-green foliage make it a popular Christmas tree choice. Blue spruce trees grow slowly and can live 600 to 800 years.

Identifying Characteristics:

1. Leaves are needlelike, at least four times longer than wide.
2. Needles occur singly, not in clusters.
3. Buds are round or egg-shaped and have blunt tips.
4. Needles are on woody projections on the stem.
5. Bud scales curve away from the bud; buds are large, 3/8 inch long.