Blue Spruce - wildlife habitat

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Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

Habitat Management Suggestions for Selected Wildlife Species
By R.J. Mackie, R.F. Batchelor, M.E. Majerus, J.P. Weigand, and V.P. Sundberg

Description:

An attractive, hardy, long-lived evergreen, which may grow to heights of 40 feet or more as a medium to tall tree on the most favorable sites. It is native to the Rocky Mountain areas of the United States. Growth rates are rather slow during the early years after establishment, but after about 5 to 8 years of age, the rate of growth increases. This species is best toted for it's conical crown and very still, sharp-pointed, needle like leaves that are 3/4 to 1 inch long and a blue-green to bluish color. The cones are 2 to 4 inches long, cylindrical, light brown (straw-colored), pendant, and papery. The bark is think, ashy brown, and made up of many thin, loosely attached scales on young trees. The bark on older trees can be from ½ to 1 inch think and furrowed.

Adaptation:

This species prefers deep, moist, well drained soils, but will grow well on other soils is sufficient moisture is available. It has been widely planted throughout the Northern Great Plains.

Establishment:

The seedlings should be two years old, having been transplanted two times or less, and 6 to 10 inches tall. The plants should be spaced 10 to 14 feet apart for optimum wildlife density.

Management and Care:

Spider mites may be a problem on individual trees; otherwise, there are no known diseased or insect problems. Occasional pruning may be necessary to prevent multistem growth. No regular or special attention is necessary.

Uses:

Blue spruce provides excellent nesting, roosting, and winter cover for numerous small birds. It is preferred nesting for chipping sparrows, pine siskins, common grackles and mourning doves. A few birds and mammals, including nuthatches, crossbills and squirrels, use it as a source of food. Deer browse some on this species, and pheasants use it for winter cover and protection from storms. This species is widely used for ornamental and screen plantings. Its year-long, attractive bluish color adds variety to recreational plantings.

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This species is widely used for ornamental and screen plantings.