As previously communicated, the
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The Colorado spruce, Picea pungens, Colorado’s state tree, is a large-needle evergreen that is native to western North America. In the wild, it will grow to 75 feet; in cultivation, it will reach 45 feet. Colorado spruces prefer rich, moist soil, but they will tolerate drought better than most spruce species and do not tolerate saturated soil conditions. Their deep green to icy blue needles are arranged radially around the branches and are very stiff and prickly. The variety glauca, commonly called blue spruce, has reliably blue needles. Colorado spruces are often used as Christmas trees, as their stiff branches hold up to heavy ornaments; however, they have fallen out of favor in recent years because they have poor needle retention when cut and brought indoors.
Throughout North America, this tree is often planted as a specimen tree in hedgerows, as property borders, or as screen plantings. Its striking appearance, tight pyramidal shape, needle color, and numerous varieties and cultivars with characteristics such as weeping and dwarf, make it a popular tree for the ornamental gardener.
The campus tree pictured is located on the west side of the Savage Theater and Communication Building and is a tribute tree to Victims of Violent Crime.
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Photo and information courtesy of Steven Sypniewski, Buffalo State arboretum manager and assistant campus planner.