Picea engelmannii

Family: Pinaceae

Distribution: Widely distributed in the wester United States and two provinces in Canada. Range extends from British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, south through all western states to New Mexico and Arizona.

Elevation: 900-3650m altitude

Common names: Engelmann spruce, silver spruce, white spruce, mountain spruce

Description: The engelmannii is an evergreen tree that is large with ascending branches. Its height can reach 40 to 50 feet tall and has known to grow over 100 feet. The needles are densely packed and around 1 inch long. Cones are found at the end of branches downhanging from 1-3 inches long. The seeds are small, black in color, with 1/2 inch terminal wings. Twigs are stout, rather shiny, and orangish brown color.

Discussion: Engelmann spruce is found in some of the highest and coldest environments in the United States. It is recognized as one of the most important lumber sources in the West. Although the high elevation makes it rather difficult to harvest. Most poles, railroad ties, and mine props have been made from the tree. Native Americans used Engelmann spruce for numerous purposes such as making canoes, baskets, roofs, rope, incense, body scents, cleaning agents, and it has some medicinal purposes.