Colorado Blue Spruce
Description:
Colorado blue spruce, or
blue spruce, is an attractive tree often used for Christmas trees or as
ornamentals, particularly in the eastern United States and Europe.
These trees have a narrow, pyramidal shape and cone-shaped crown. Leaves (needles) are 1 - 1 ½ inches long on lower branches but somewhat shorter on upper branches. They are 4-sided and have a very sharp point on the end. Needles are generally dull bluish-gray to silvery blue and emit a resinous odor when crushed. The blue spruce is finding increasing popularity as a Christmas tree as a result of its symmetrical form and attractive blue foliage. Additionally, needle retention is among the best for the spruces. Its popularity as an ornamental leads many consumers to use blue spruce as a living Christmas tree, to be planted after the holiday season.
(Picture from National Christmas Tree Association)