Considered one of the most beautiful spruces (I personally give the edge to P. orientalis). Stays full to the ground for years.
Along with P. engelmannii, more shade tolerant than most spruces, per Stoecklein; also more tolerant of heat and humidity, per Sunset and Missouri BG. Taprooted. Wind tolerance debated.
Urban tolerant, but UFL is shy about what exact tolerances that implies, so I'm not giving it more than the "pollution tolerant" tag for that one, based on Stoecklein's definition. (Cal Poly makes it easier by saying specifically "smog tolerant".)
'Bruns' is neat and formal with bluish foliage. 'Nana' is very compact and dense to the ground, classed as a dwarf, but the American Conifer Society warns that it can speed up with age and often attains small tree height. 'Silberblau' is denser and broader with silvery blue outer needles and darker inner needles, making a good P. pungens substitute in warmer climates.
Sources: UFL, Sunset, Cal Poly, Stoecklein, Missouri BG, UConn, AHS, Dirr/Warren.
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