Wilson Spruce Data Sheet

• Common name: Wilson spruce

• Latin name: Picea Wilsonii

• Genus: Picea

• Height: 40 m (131 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 4b

• Conservation status: Threatened

Picea Wilsonii, commonly known as the Wilson spruce, is a Conifer native to east Asia. Its range extends across China, Qinghai and Mongolia.

This tree is generally found at medium to high altitudes, mostly from 1,200 m (3,930 ft) to 3,500 m (11,480 ft).

The Wilson spruce is a medium evergreen conifer, growing to a height of 40 m (131 ft). The trunk diameter can exceed 1 m. The needles are dark green and 3 cm long. The spring needle buds are often a striking red colour. The cones are 8 cm long, immature cones are red or purple, maturing to dark brown. Each cone contains winged seeds.

It can live up to 200 years.

The Wilson spruce is closely related to the Qinghai spruce and Norway spruce, which all share many of its characteristics.

This species makes a fantastic garden specimen tree with its red bud break in the spring.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface, around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet or dried out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease. Place in a bright location such as a windowsill. Ensure seedlings never dry out. Water logging should also be avoided; young trees hate wet feet. These seedlings are small but sturdy and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into their own 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce.

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