Heat tolerance much debated: Stoecklein, Missouri BG, and UFL only rate this spruce to USDA zone 5, but Cal Poly says USDA zone 8 and AHS says heat zone 8 maximum. Similarly, Sunset recommends it for all Northeast zones (even 31!). Sandy soil tolerance is also debated (Cal Poly vs. USDA).
Similar look to Colorado spruce but narrower, finer-textured, and with softer needles. Cal Poly calls the foliage fragrant, but UConn calls it "rank" when crushed.
Susceptible to windthrow in the open. Recommended for a northern exposure. Along with P. omorika, more shade tolerant than most spruces, per Stoecklein.
Sources: Sunset, UFL, Stoecklein, Cal Poly, Missouri BG, UConn, AHS, USDA, Dirr/Warren.
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