Contents
Description
Picea Meyeri, also known as the Meyer Spruce, is a beautiful and hardy coniferous tree native to China. It is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks, often used as a Christmas tree due to its symmetrical cone shape and attractive blue-green needles. The tree can grow up to 50 feet in height and has a conical shape with a straight trunk and horizontal branches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Coniferophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Picea |
Appearance
Picea Meyeri has a conical shape with a straight trunk and horizontal branches. It can grow up to 50 feet in height and has a spread of 20 feet. The tree has a dense foliage of blue-green needles that are about 1 inch long, with white stripes on the underside. The needles are sharp and pointy, and they are arranged in a spiral pattern around the branches. The tree also produces small, cylindrical cones that are about 4 inches long and have a reddish-brown color.
Care Guide
Picea Meyeri is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. The tree requires regular watering, especially during the first year after planting, to establish a deep root system. Fertilization is not necessary, but it can be beneficial to the tree’s growth and health. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -40°F. It is suitable for hardiness zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Picea Meyeri is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including spider mites, aphids, and rust. Spider mites can cause yellowing of the needles and defoliation, while aphids can cause distorted growth and honeydew secretion. Rust can cause yellow spots on the needles and can lead to defoliation. To prevent these problems, it is important to maintain good tree health through proper watering and fertilization, and to monitor the tree regularly for signs of infestation.
Habitat
Picea Meyeri is native to the mountainous regions of China, where it grows at high elevations of up to 10,000 feet. The tree prefers cool and moist climates, with temperatures ranging from -40°F to 70°F. It is often found growing in rocky and well-drained soils on steep slopes and ridges.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Picea Meyeri a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Picea Meyeri is a slow-growing tree that can take up to 10 years to reach a height of 10 feet.
Q: Can Picea Meyeri be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Picea Meyeri can be grown in containers, but it requires regular watering and fertilization to maintain good health.
Q: Does Picea Meyeri require pruning?
A: Picea Meyeri does not require pruning, but it can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
Q: Is Picea Meyeri a good tree for windbreaks?
A: Yes, Picea Meyeri is a good tree for windbreaks due to its dense foliage and hardiness.
Related Plants
- Picea abies (Norway spruce)
- Picea glauca (White spruce)
- Picea mariana (Black spruce)
- Picea pungens (Blue spruce)
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2011). Dirr’s encyclopedia of trees and shrubs. Timber Press.
- Harris, R. W., Clark, J. R., & Matheny, N. P. (2013). Arboriculture: Integrated management of landscape trees, shrubs, and vines. Prentice Hall.
- Wikipedia contributors. (2021, March 18). Picea meyeri. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 14:43, April 9, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Picea_meyeri&oldid=1013131868
