Engelmann spruce
ExplorePlants
Engelmann spruce
Picea engelmannii
The Engelmann spruce is a tall tree with soft, needle-like leaves. It grows in cool, mountainous areas and provides homes for many animals. Its wood is strong and used for making things like musical instruments!
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Engelmann spruce is a tall, slender conifer with a narrow, spire-like crown. It has sharp, four-sided needles, often bluish-green, and reddish-brown cones that hang from its branches. Its bark is thin and scaly, often purplish-brown.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusPicea
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Indigenous peoples historically brewed its vitamin C-rich needles into a fortifying, healthful tea.
Its strong, resonant wood is often used to make guitars and other musical instruments!
This tough tree can grow right up to the treeline, where mountains meet the sky!
Tiny Engelmann spruce seeds provide vital winter food for many high-altitude birds and squirrels.
Special abilities
Ability
Altitude Adaptor
Engelmann spruce can thrive in harsh mountain environments, growing at very high elevations where few other trees survive.
Ability
Snow Shrugger
Its downward-sloping branches help Engelmann spruce shed heavy snow, preventing breakage and allowing it to survive harsh winters.
Ability
Scented Sentinel
Its aromatic needles release a crisp, resinous scent, which might deter some herbivores or signal its presence in the forest.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 3000-6000 cm
- Spread
- 500-1000 cm
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Red Squirrel
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Feeds on seeds from cones.
eats
Dusky Grouse
Dendragapus obscurus
Browses on its nutrient-rich needles.
shelters
American Black Bear
Ursus americanus
Uses dense stands for dens and cover.
eats
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Browses on young shoots and foliage.
Traits
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Cold Hardy
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Coniferous
Coniferous plants are typically evergreen, bearing needles or scales and reproductive cones.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay on paths when exploring forests and don't climb trees without an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Engelmann spruce?
3000-6000 cm
How wide does Engelmann spruce spread?
500-1000 cm
Is Engelmann spruce edible?
Yes
Is Engelmann spruce toxic?
None
What is Engelmann spruce's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Engelmann spruce pollinated?
Wind
Where is Engelmann spruce usually found?
Mountain regions
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