Picea breweriana Seeds | Brewer’s Spruce
LATIN NAME: Picea breweriana
COMMON NAME: Brewer’s Spruce
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Brewer’s Spruce (Picea breweriana) stands out as an evergreen tree. In time it slowly becomes a narrow, conical crown, reaching 10-20 metres. Site it in full sun, in deep, fertile ground. Given room and time, it reaches roughly 10-20 metres. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the Picea group regularly include Picea breweriana in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. The Brewers spruce has a genuine and distinguished place in both botanical and horticultural research. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Brewer’s Spruce brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Ecologically, the Brewers spruce is a rare and noble tree of the western North America. Its economic value is real and botanical. For a grower, the Brewers spruce is a rewarding and beautiful tree, and for a gardener it brings rare, graceful beauty of weeping form. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Spruces gave the world spruce beer, a vitamin-C antiscorbutic of explorers, and their resinous bud syrups remain a folk favorite for coughs; the timber sings in violins.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Brewer’s Spruce under ordinary good conditions. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in full sun. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Brewer”s Spruce settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Brewer’s Spruce often pair it with these related subjects: