Trees of Arizona Field Guide (Tree Identification Guides) - Tapa blanda

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Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the author of more than 175 field guides, nature books, children’s books, wildlife audio CDs, puzzles and playing cards, presenting many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, trees, wildflowers and cacti in the United States. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 25 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations.

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Blue Spruce
Picea pungens

Family: Pine (Pinaceae)

Height: 40-60' (12-18 m)

Tree: pyramid shape, lower branches are the widest and often touch the ground

Needle: single needle, 1/2-1" (1-2.5 cm) long, very stiff, very sharp point on the end, square in cross section, bluish green to silver blue

Bark: grayish brown and flaky, becoming reddish brown and deeply furrowed with age

Cone: straw-colored, 2-4" (5-10 cm) long, in clusters or single, hanging down

Fruit: N/A

Fall Color: N/A

Origin/Age: native; 150-200 years (some can reach 600 years)

Habitat: variety of soils, does best in clay and moist soils at 7,000-11,000' (2,135-3,355 m); mountainsides, evergreen forests, sun

Range: northern half of Arizona, planted in cities, parks, along roads and around homes

Stan’s Notes: This is a common Christmas tree and landscaping tree that is widely planted around homes and along city streets in medium to high elevations. A victim of the Spruce Budworm and needle fungus, so not planted as much anymore. Very susceptible to cytospora canker, which invades stressed trees, causing loss of branches and eventual death. Will grow in a wide variety of soils, but prefers moist, well-drained earth. Slow growing, some living up to 600 years. Needles are very sharp and square in cross section. Species name pungens is Latin for “sharp-pointed.” Also known as Colorado Spruce or Silver Spruce.