Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Picea glauca 'Conica' · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Pinaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental Conifer
Variety / Cultivar
Conica
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.
About This Tree
A slow-growing, highly compact dwarf conifer with a dense, perfectly pyramidal or conical form and extremely fine-textured foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Needles are short, slender, bright green to bluish-green, soft to the touch compared to other spruces, and densely packed along the stems.
Bark Characteristics
Thin, grayish-brown, and slightly scaly, though largely hidden by the dense, low-hanging foliage.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to northern North America, though the specific 'Conica' cultivar was discovered in Alberta, Canada.
Growing Season
Evergreen with year-round foliage; experiences a flush of bright green new growth in late spring.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade and moderate, consistent watering; does not tolerate prolonged drought or waterlogged soils.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 6 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity, growing very slowly at a rate of 2 to 4 inches per year.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for its formal, geometric shape and compact size, making it ideal for foundation plantings, rock gardens, and container growing.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides limited cover and nesting sites for small birds due to its dense, impenetrable branching structure.