Fat Albert Spruce
Picea Pungens 'Fat Albert'
A dense evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback.
Deer don’t particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Information
Height & Growth
Crown Height – 10 to 15 feet.
Crown Width – 7 to 10 feet.
Bark Color – Dark gray bark furrows on mature trees.
Root System – Shallow and wide spreading.
Soils
Soil Texture – Performs best on moist, well-drained loams.
Soil pH -5.5 to 7.0
Cold Hardiness
USDA Zone 2a
Water & Light
Water
can tolerate some drought once established.
Light
Full sun.
Leaves & Buds
Bud Arrangement – Buds are in whorls.
Bud Color – Yellowish-brown, not resinous.
Bud Size – Broadly conical, tips are blunt, about ¼ inch long.
Leaf Type and Shape – Sharply pointed needles are attached
individually on peglike projections called sterigmata.
Leaf Length – Needles 3/4 to 1¼ inches.
Leaf Width – 1/16 inch needles.
Leaf Color – steel blue needle color
Flowers & Fruits
Fruit Type – Oblong Cones 2 to 4 inches long,
Fruit Color –greenish when young, maturing to light brown.
Pests & Disease
Excellent specimen. Also effective in groups. Foundation plantings. Borders.