| General Description | A slow growing dwarf conifer that only grows a few centimetres a year. Compact and bun-like in shape, this dwarf tends to be broader than it is tall. |
| ID Characteristic | A low growing dwarf conifer that is similar in shape to A. balsamea 'Nana'. The needles on 'Hudsonia' are arranged semi-radially, whereas on 'Nana' the needles are arranged radially. By looking down at the branch, the stem will be clearly visible on A. balsamea 'Hudsonia'. |
| Shape | A compact, bun-like shaped dwarf tree that is broader than it is tall. |
| Landscape | Great for rock gardens, gravel gardens and containers. Good for places with limited space. |
| Propagation | Propagation by cuttings or grafting. For grafts, use a side-veneer graft in February and graft onto 2 year old root stocks of A. grandis or A. balsamea. For cuttings, collect cuttings in June, treat with a rooting hormone and root in a propagating case. Bottom heating to 16? C in winter is needed and an automatic misting or irrigation system will help keep the cuttings from drying out. Caution must be taken to not overwater. |
| Cultivation | Moist, well-drained slightly acidic soil. Protect from cold; plant in full sun. |
| Pests | Generally disease free but can get aphids and adelgids. |
| Notable Specimens | Dwarf conifer garden at the Arboretum at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Horticultural origins |
| Bark/Stem Description | Brown-grey, smooth and quite thin. Needle scars remain on the bark after needles have fallen. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Buds are ovoid and brown/red in colour and about 50 mm long. New growth is bright yellow-green and adds spring attractiveness. New growth is only about 3 cm per year. |
| Leaf Description | Needles are shiny, rounded and dark green with a blue line down the middle ridge. Silvery/blue beneath and roughly 1.25 cm in length. |
| Flower Description | A. balsamea 'Hudsonia' does not flower. |
| Fruit Description | A. balsamea 'Hudsonia' does not produce cones. |
| Colour Description | Dark green needles with hints of blue. No autumn colour. New growth is bright yellow/green and adds an attractive feature in spring. |
| Texture Description | Smooth. |
