Plant Database

Other Names:  Blue Colorado Spruce;Colorado Blue Spruce

Description:

A truly different cultivar noted for the foxtail appearance of its new branches, with the bright blue needles at the branch tips shorter than the needles at the base; excellent for buffer planting and as a striking accent tree

Ornamental Features

Iseli Foxtail Spruce is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has attractive blue evergreen foliage. The needles are highly ornamental and remain blue throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Iseli Foxtail Spruce is a dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Iseli Foxtail Spruce is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Iseli Foxtail Spruce will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.