Botanical Name:

Picea glauca 'Conica'

Common Name:

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Family Name:

Pinaceae – pine family

General Description:

Picea glauca 'Conica' is a naturally occurring dwarf form sometimes listed as Picea glauca var. conica. It is a commonly used dwarf conifer favored for its formal, dense, pyramidal habit. It prefers to be sited in full sun in moist, but well drained soils. Good air circulation will benefit Dwarf Alberta Spruce as the densely set foliage and tight pyramidal habit creates a haven for insect problems, especially spider mites. It does not tolerate drought, pollution, salt spray or other urban stresses. For all its potential problems it remains a popular plant as its fine texture and shape lends a whimsical formality to the garden.

Zone:

2-6

Resources Consulted:

Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign: Stipes, 2009. Print.

Creator:

Julia Fitzpatrick-Cooper, Professor, College of DuPage

Creation Date:

2014

Keywords/Tags:

Pinaceae, tree, conifer, cone, needle, evergreen, Picea glauca, white spruce

Download PDF version of this plant profile