Engelmann Spruce Data Sheet

• Common name: Englemann Spruce

• Latin name: Picea Englemannii

• Genus: Picea

• Height: 65 m (213 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 2–8

• Conservation status: Least Concern

Picea Englemannii, commonly known as the Englemann spruce, is a conifer native to the northern United States. Its range extends across Alaska and Alberta.

This tree is generally found at high altitudes, mostly from 900 m (2,950 ft) to 3,600 m (11,800 ft).

The Englemann spruce is a medium to large evergreen conifer, growing to 65 m (213 ft) in extreme cases. The bark is dark brown with round scales. The trunk diameter can exceed 1 m. The needles are 3 cm long with a dark green colour, some trees have bluish green needles. The cones are dark red or purple when immature, maturing to a light brown colour. Cone ripening takes 7 months.

The Englemann spruce is closely related to the Sitka spruce, which shares many of its characteristics. This species is very cold hardy.

This species has many uses, ranging from, paper making, construction timber and musical instruments. Lesser used for Christmas tree production.

Growth Habit

Shoot growth usually starts in February and continues until September. Yearly height increases of 0.6–0.9 ft are common beyond season 3.

These were sown this year. Plants are 2–3" tall.

Saplings are in pots. I recommend they are separated into their own 4" pots when you receive them. Growth rate is medium. Plants can be kept in a cool conservatory, windowsill or outside over the winter months.

Fully hardy off to minus 38°C or colder come autumn.

Care Instructions

Keep free from competing weeds and never allow to completely dry out. Water logging should also be avoided. Trees will perform best raised outdoors in full sunny position. The growth rate is medium and will soon need re-potting to beyond a 10" pot. Once the trees reach around 1 ft high they can be set in their final planting position.

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