Engleman Spruce
Picea engelmannii
Engleman Spruce (Picea engelmannii) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide, slow-growing, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Colorado nativemedium to high water40–60 ft tall and 20–30 ft wideDeer-resistant
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2–6
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Cool north foundations
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~30 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- montane
Common problems on the Front Range
- Spruce ips beetle in stressed trees
- Spruce spider mite on hot, dry sites
- Cytospora canker on lower branches
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Engleman Spruce good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Engleman Spruce is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Engleman Spruce get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide.
- How much room does Engleman Spruce need?
- Give Engleman Spruce about 30 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Engleman Spruce grow into?
- Engleman Spruce typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Engleman Spruce hardy on the Front Range?
- Engleman Spruce is hardy in USDA 2–6. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Engleman Spruce need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does Engleman Spruce grow?
- Engleman Spruce is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Engleman Spruce live?
- Engleman Spruce is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Engleman Spruce native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Engleman Spruce deer-resistant?
- Engleman Spruce is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Engleman Spruce prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Engleman Spruce can be affected by spruce ips beetle in stressed trees and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
