Picea brachytyla (Sargent Spruce, Chinese Weeping Spruce)


Michael's Opinion

This tree makes an excellent specimen. It does well in many conditions, making it an ideal plant without any demanding maintenance.

Botanical Information

FamilyPinaceae
GenusPicea
Speciesbrachytyla
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginCentral and Western China.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8–9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6–8
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height30–50 m
Spread1–2 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLarge conical evergreen tree with perfect flowers. This tree often thrives in light, sandy soils. The leaves are light to dark green in colour.
ID CharacteristicThis is a very large tree that is fast growing. It is monoecious, which is also another defining characteristic.
ShapeConical in youth, cylindrical and irregular shape with age; it can grow, at a quick rate, up to 40 m.
LandscapeThis is a good plant to utilize as a windbreak and also to enhance interest in the garden with its broad spread.
PropagationStratification of the seed can ease the germination process. The stratified seeds should be sown in autumn and placed in a cold frame. When stored, the seeds should not be allowed to dry and should be kept cold.
CultivationSow seed in containers in a coldframe in autumn or spring. Cold stratification may improve germination if seed is planted in the spring. Grow in deep moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic soil in full sun. For maximum freshness, keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant.
PestsThere are no major pests specific to this tree.
HabitatCentral and Western China.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is grey or grey-brown, longitudinally fissured into thick, square plates or irregularly flaking.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionScaled buds that are purplish in colour. Apical buds are also much larger than the terminal buds.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves directed forward and closely appressed on upper side of branchlets, spreading and almost pectinate on lower side; linear, slightly curved or straight, flattened; 10–25 mm long and 1-1.5 mm thick; slightly keeled on both sides.
Flower DescriptionThis tree holds a perfect flower that is very small, and utilizes wind pollination. The flowers begin to appear during the month of April.
Fruit DescriptionCones are green to reddish brown, maturing to dull or purplish brown; ovoid to oblong in shape; 6–12 cm long and 3–4 cm wide.
Colour DescriptionThis tree has light to dark green needles with a waxy coating. The cones are purplish in colour and the bark is greyish brown.
Texture DescriptionThis tree is sharp and very hard giving a unique interest to the landscape.

Photographs