How much sun does Mountain Spruce need?

Mountain Spruce grows best in part sun conditions.

Where is Mountain Spruce native?

Mountain Spruce (Picea engelmannii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Mountain Spruce toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mountain Spruce as toxic to livestock.

Is Mountain Spruce HOA-friendly?

Mountain Spruce is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Mountain Spruce

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Picea engelmannii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Mountain Spruce (Picea engelmannii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Mountain Spruce as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

60"–180" H × 120"–360" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Madrean Archipelago

Mountain spruce is a majestic evergreen conifer that develops into a tall, pyramidal tree with blue-green needles. This slow-growing native provides year-round structure and color to landscapes. It eventually becomes quite large, making it best suited for spacious properties where it can reach its full potential.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mountain Spruce is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
Slow growth means long-term commitment needed

Wildlife value

Provides important habitat and nesting sites for birds, while seeds feed various wildlife species. The dense branching structure offers excellent shelter for small mammals and birds during harsh winter conditions.

Common questions

How much sun does Mountain Spruce need?: Mountain Spruce grows best in part sun conditions.
Where is Mountain Spruce native?: Mountain Spruce (Picea engelmannii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Mountain Spruce toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mountain Spruce as toxic to livestock.
Is Mountain Spruce HOA-friendly?: Mountain Spruce is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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