blue spruce Pinaceae Picea pungens Engelm.   symbol: PIPU
	Leaf: Evergreen needles, 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches long, stiff and very sharp (spine-like), displayed nearly straight out from twig, silvery blue to dark green. Strong acidic taste. Each needle borne on a raised, woody peg (sterigma). Flower: Monoecious; males emerge reddish purple and ripen to yellow-brown, scattered throughout trees; females purple, upright, in tops of the trees. Fruit: Cones are 2 to 4 inches long, cylindrical, light brown in color, scales are flexible, pointed with jagged erose margins, mature in the fall. Twig: Stout (when compared to other spruces), hairless, tan; needles are borne on woody pegs; bud scales brown and noticeably reflexed. Bark: Gray to red-brown, young trees with small, thin scales; older trees still scaly but with shallow furrows. Form: A medium to large tree with pyramidal form reaching up to 80 feet tall. Branches appear layered, especially with age.
	USDAFS Silvics of North America - USDAFS Additional Silvics - USDA Plants Database Picea pungens is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting blue spruce (opens a new window).