Plant Data
Sheet
Images:
Species
(common name, Latin name)- Engelmann spruce, Picea engelmannii
Range
Engelmann
spruce has a large range that stretches from
Climate,
elevation
This
species is primarily found at high elevations in areas associated with heavy
snowfall. It is very sensitive to high
temperatures particularly as a seeding where soil surface temperatures above 45
degrees Centigrade can begin to cause seedling mortality. Prefers cool, humid
environments.
Local
occurrence
In
the Pacific Northwest Engelmann spruce is primarily found as a minor component
of the high elevation forests along the east slope of the Cascades.
Habitat
preferences
Engelmann
spruce prefers cool, humid environments characterized by long winters and
short, cool summers. It can grow in a
wide range of well drained soils provided that there is access to adequate
moisture.
Plant
strategy type/successional stage (stress-tolerator, competitor,
weedy/colonizer, seral,
late successional)
Generally
a long lasting seral species, Engelmann spruce can be
found as co-climax components of Subalpine
fir/Engelmann spruce stands. Pure stands
of Engelmann spruce can also be found, particularly in cold environments. It is also relatively shade tolerant compared
to the tree species it is associated with, except true firs and hemlocks.
Associated
species
In the
Rocky Mountains Engelmann spruce is primarily found associated with Subalpine fir or in pure stands
near treeline.
It can also be a minor component in other forest types. In the
May
be collected as:
Seed
Collection
restrictions or guidelines
Seeds
can be collected once cones mature.
Typically seeds are released when cones begin opening in September,
though some seed will remain in cones through the winter. Cones can be collected before seeds are fully
mature as seeds will continue to ripen.
Seeds can be separated by first drying the cones then tumbling or
shaking. Seed wings can be removed by placing
in a cotton bag and rubbing by hand.
Seed
germination
Seeds
should be soaked in water for 24 hours then chilled for 6 to 8 weeks at 2
degrees C.
Seed
life
Engelmann
spruce seeds can be stored for 10 to 20 years.
Recommended
seed storage conditions
Seeds
of Engelmann spruce can safely be stored in cones under field conditions for up
to 5 months. For longer storage, seeds
should be cleaned and dried to 4-8 % moisture content. Seeds can then be placed in airtight
containers and stored between -10 and 3 degrees C.
Propagation
recommendations
Seeds
or seedlings
Soil
or medium requirements Engelmann
spruce seeds will establish on a variety of substrates. Germination is slightly higher on mineral
soil or a mix of humus and mineral soil.
The main medium requirement is adequate moisture.
Installation
form
Seeds
or seedlings are commonly used in propagation.
Studies in
Recommended
planting density
Between
300 and 700 seedlings should be planted per acre.
Care
requirements after installed
Once
established, seedlings are sensitive to high temperatures and drought. If possible seedlings should be grown in
partial shade and given at least 1 inch of precipitation spread over each month
during the dry season.
Normal
rate of growth or spread; lifespan
Engelmann
spruce has adopted a slow growth strategy in response to the harsh environments
where it is found. Trees may be only 4
to 5 ft tall after 20 years. However,
the species is relatively long lived and individuals 500 to 600 years old are
not rare. The tree can spread by
layering of the lower branches, particularly at high elevations where
conditions promote a prostrate growth form.
Sources
cited
Burns, Russell M., and Barbara H. Honkala, tech. coords.
1990. Silvics of North
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/Spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/Volume_1/picea/engelmannii.htm
Bonner,
Franklin T. Woody Plant Seed Manual.
http://www.nsl.fs.fed.us/wpsm/Picea.pdf
Kartesz, John. Biota of
Conservation Service PLANTS Database.
http://plants.nrcs.usda.gov/cgi_bin/plant_attribute.cgi?symbol=PIEN
Data compiled by Phillip Chi 4/28/2006