Black Hills Spruce vs Dragon Spruce - TreeTime.ca

Black Hills Spruce vs Dragon Spruce

Picea glauca var. densata

Picea asperata

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Black Hills Spruce
Dragon Spruce

Black Hills Spruce is a subspecies of White Spruce native to the Black Hills of South Dakota. It has a strongly conical form, slower growth rate and denser foliage than typical white spruce, making it preferable as a specimen tree for smaller suburban lawns. It also responds well to pruning, and can be used as a hedge or even bonsai.

Dragon spruce is a unique looking spruce, as it is more shaggy and irregular than most spruces. They have sharp, stiff needles that are directed forward on the branch and their colour ranges from grey/green to blue/green.

They will grow in nutrient poor soils and can tolerate stronger winds, making them a good choice for providing shelter.

This species has been declining due to deforestation and related human activity in western China, its native range. It has notable genetic diversity for a spruce with a number of unusual growth habit variants. Given the cultural significance of the dragon, this tree should not be underestimated for its beauty or usefulness.

Black Hills Spruce Quick Facts

Dragon Spruce Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none

In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: chinese spruce, yun shan