Woody > Picea > Picea brachytyla > Picea brachytyla
Picea brachytyla
Sargent Spruce, Chinese Weeping Spruce
Origin: Central and Western China.
Mike's
Opinion
"
This tree makes an excellent specimen. It does well in many conditions, making it an ideal plant without any demanding maintenance.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Pinaceae |
| Genus |
| Picea |
| Species |
| brachytyla |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (evergreen) |
| Pronunciation |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 8–9 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 6–8 |
| Height |
| 30–50 m |
| Spread |
| 1–2 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
click to expand
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Large conical evergreen tree with perfect flowers. This tree often thrives in light, sandy soils. The leaves are light to dark green in colour. |
| Landscape |
| This is a good plant to utilize as a windbreak and also to enhance interest in the garden with its broad spread. |
| Cultivation |
| Sow 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. |
| Shape |
| Conical in youth, cylindrical and irregular shape with age; it can grow, at a quick rate, up to 40 m. |
| Growth |
| Fast |
| ID Characteristic |
| This is a very large tree that is fast growing. It is monoecious, which is also another defining characteristic. |
| Pests |
| There are no major pests specific to this tree. |
| Habitat |
| Central and Western China. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| The bark is grey or grey-brown, longitudinally fissured into thick, square plates or irregularly flaking. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Scaled buds that are purplish in colour. Apical buds are also much larger than the terminal buds. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves 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 Description |
| This tree holds a perfect flower that is very small, and utilizes wind pollination. The flowers begin to appear during the month of April. |
| Fruit Description |
| Cones 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 Description |
| This tree has light to dark green needles with a waxy coating. The cones are purplish in colour and the bark is greyish brown. |
| Texture Description |
| This tree is sharp and very hard giving a unique interest to the landscape. |
| Propagation |
| Stratification 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. |
top