Contents
Description
Picea Engelmannii, also known as the Engelmann Spruce, is a coniferous tree native to North America. It is a tall and slender tree that can grow up to 60 meters in height, with a diameter of 1.5 meters at the base. The needles are 1 to 2 centimeters long, bluish-green, and arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches. The cones are 6 to 11 centimeters long, cylindrical, and brown in color. This tree is an important timber species and is commonly used for lumber, paper, and musical instruments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Picea |
Appearance
The Engelmann Spruce is a tall and slender tree with a conical crown. The bark is gray-brown and scaly, and the needles are bluish-green and arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches. The cones are cylindrical and brown in color. This tree is a fast grower and can live up to 500 years.
Care Guide
The Engelmann Spruce prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate cold temperatures and is suitable for planting in hardiness zones 2 to 7. It requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, and benefits from fertilization in the spring. The soil should be acidic and rich in organic matter. Pruning is not necessary, but can be done to shape the tree.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Engelmann Spruce is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including spruce budworm, spider mites, and needle cast. These can cause defoliation and weaken the tree. Regular monitoring and treatment with insecticides and fungicides can help prevent infestations.
Habitat
The Engelmann Spruce is native to the western United States and Canada, where it grows in mountainous regions at elevations of 900 to 3,500 meters. It is commonly found in forests alongside other coniferous trees, such as Douglas fir and lodgepole pine.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Engelmann Spruce tolerate drought?
A: No, this tree requires regular watering and is not drought tolerant.
Q: Is the Engelmann Spruce a good choice for a windbreak?
A: Yes, this tree is a good choice for a windbreak due to its tall and slender form.
Q: Can the Engelmann Spruce be grown in containers?
A: No, this tree is not suitable for container growing and requires a large planting area.
Q: Is the Engelmann Spruce a good choice for firewood?
A: Yes, this tree is a good choice for firewood due to its high heat output and low smoke emissions.
Related Plants
- Picea Glauca (White Spruce)
- Picea Mariana (Black Spruce)
- Picea Sitchensis (Sitka Spruce)
References
- Dirr, M. (2011). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Timber Press.
- Esser, L. (2020). Picea engelmannii. In: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T42328A88043357. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T42328A88043357.en
- Peattie, D. C. (1991). A natural history of western trees. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
