Brewer Spruce Picea breweriana
ABOUT
The Brewer spruce, is a species of conifer, known for its weeping branches and graceful, drooping foliage, creating a distinct silhouette against the landscape. The tree has a pyramidal shape that is narrowed at the top, with branches that sweep downwards. Its needles display a rich, deep green hue and are quite soft to the touch, giving the tree a sleek appearance. The bark on the Brewer spruce is another notable feature, typically presenting a gray-brown color with a furrowed texture, which adds depth and character to the tree's appearance. Younger trees often have a smoother bark, which roughens and becomes more rugged with age. Cones are another key characteristic of the Brewer spruce, and they hang elegantly from the weeping branches. These cones are slender and can be fairly long, providing a contrast to the soft, feathery foliage as they mature to a brown color. Overall, the Brewer spruce is recognized for its unique and picturesque form that makes it a favorite in ornamental and landscape settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pinaceae
Synonyms
Brewer Spruce, Weeping Spruce, Brewer's Weeping Spruce
Common names
Picea breweriana.
ToxicityTo humans
The Brewer spruce is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented adverse effects from ingesting parts of this plant. However, like with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild reactions in some people. These instances are rare, and the Brewer spruce is primarily considered safe in terms of human toxicity.
To pets
The Brewer spruce is also not regarded as a toxic plant for pets. It does not contain any known toxins that would harm dogs, cats, or other domestic animals if ingested. Nevertheless, consumption of non-food items like plant material can lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets. Thus, it is always prudent to discourage pets from eating any part of ornamental plants to prevent potential stomach issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
60-70 feet (18-21 meters)
Spread
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Picea breweriana, commonly known as Brewer spruce, provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and small mammals.
- Ornamental Value: Brewer spruce is often used in landscaping for its unique weeping form and attractive foliage, making it a visually appealing addition to gardens and parks.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Brewer spruce can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Climate Adaptation: As a native species to certain regions, Brewer spruce is well-adapted to local climate conditions, requiring less maintenance and resources than non-native species.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, Brewer spruce absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Contributing to the diversity of tree species in an area, Brewer spruce helps to create a more robust and resilient ecosystem.
- Wood Production: Although not commonly exploited for its timber, Brewer spruce can provide wood for various uses, including craftwork and construction.
- Shade and Cooling: The tree provides shade, which can cool the environment directly beneath it, making it a valuable asset in urban and suburban settings.
- Cultural Significance: Brewer spruce may hold cultural or historical significance for certain communities, contributing to heritage and local identity.
- Recreational Use: Natural stands of Brewer spruce can enhance the aesthetic value of hiking trails and outdoor recreational areas, promoting a connection with nature.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Brewer's Spruce in Bonsai Creation: Due to its unique form and needles, Brewer's Spruce can be used and cultivated as bonsai, serving as an artistic expression of natural beauty in miniature form.
- Windbreaks and Privacy Screens: Brewer's Spruce trees can be planted in rows to form effective windbreaks or natural privacy screens due to their dense foliage and tall growth.
- Woodworking and Crafting: The wood of Brewer's Spruce is sometimes utilized in woodworking for the creation of small objects or decorative items, appreciated for its texture and grain.
- Theme Gardens: Brewer's spruce can be incorporated into theme gardens, especially those focusing on native plants or a specific regional aesthetic due to its origin in the Western United States.
- Ornamental Topiary: Skilled gardeners may shape Brewer's Spruce into various forms for ornamental topiaries, showcasing artistic pruning techniques.
- Acoustic Guitar Soundboards: Brewer's Spruce can be used to create the soundboards of acoustic guitars, contributing to the instrument's resonance and tone quality.
- Cultural Significance: Native American tribes may have traditionally used the Brewer's Spruce in various cultural practices, including as part of ceremonies or in crafting.
- Education and Research: Brewer's Spruce can be used in educational settings to teach about coniferous trees, botany, and the ecosystems where they are found.
- Wildlife Habitat: Planting Brewer's Spruce can help to provide natural habitats and food sources for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
- Photography and Art: The distinctive weeping form and conical shape of Brewer's Spruce can be a subject of interest for photographers and artists, making it a compelling subject in nature-related art.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Brewer's Spruce is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Brewer's Spruce is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance and Strength – Picea breweriana, commonly known as Brewer's Spruce, often grows in challenging mountainous environments, representing the ability to persevere and remain strong despite adverse conditions.
- Longevity – Brewer's Spruce can live for hundreds of years, symbolizing a long life and durability over time.
- Healing – The resin and needles of spruces have been used in traditional medicine, implying the tree's association with healing and medicinal properties.
- Protection – In folklore, spruce trees were thought to offer protection against evil spirits and misfortune, making Brewer's Spruce a symbol of safeguarding.
- Resilience – This tree adapts to harsh climates, signifying resilience and the capability to thrive in the face of difficulties.
WaterBrewer's Weeping Spruce requires even moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water the tree deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time during the growing season. During hot, dry spells, additional water may be necessary. In the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the tree's growth slows down. Ensure that the soil allows for proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
LightBrewer's Weeping Spruce thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An open location with ample sunlight will promote the healthiest growth and form for the tree. Avoid deeply shaded areas which can lead to a sparse or leggy appearance.
TemperatureBrewer's Weeping Spruce prefers cooler climates and is hardy in a range of temperatures. It can withstand winter lows down to -30°F and summer highs up to 90°F, but its ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F. Sudden temperature fluctuations or extreme heat can stress the plant.
PruningPruning Brewer's Weeping Spruce is typically done to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain its desired shape. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune as needed but avoid heavy pruning, as this can cause harm to the tree's natural weeping form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBrewer's Spruce thrives in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The best soil mix includes a blend of peat moss, perlite, and sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. It's important to mimic the plant's natural environment, which is cool and moist with nutrient-rich soil.
RepottingBrewer's Spruce should be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh the soil and encourage continued growth. Younger trees may need repotting more frequently, while mature trees can go longer due to slower growth rates.
Humidity & MistingBrewer's Spruce prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. It is well-suited to outdoor conditions where it can benefit from the natural humidity of its environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from wind, and keep moist.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Brewer spruce (Picea breweriana) begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in moist, well-drained soils in spring or early summer. Once germinated, the seedling develops roots and shoots, gradually maturing into a young sapling. The sapling grows slowly, forming a deep root system and a straight, conical trunk with whorled branches. As the Brewer spruce enters adulthood, it produces cones — female cones are larger and borne at the top of the tree, while male cones are smaller, lower down, and disperse pollen to fertilize the female cones. Once fertilized, the female cones develop seeds that are dispersed by wind, allowing for new generations to begin their life cycle. Mature trees can live for several hundred years, continuing to expand in height and girth and producing cones annually or biannually, depending on environmental conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Brewer Spruce, Picea breweriana, is primarily propagated through seeds, though vegetative methods can be used as well. The most popular method for propagating Brewer Spruce is through seed collection and sowing. Seeds are typically collected from cones in late summer or fall, after they have matured. The cones may be placed in a warm, dry area to facilitate the release of seeds. Once extracted, the seeds need to be stratified to overcome dormancy. This usually involves keeping them in a moist substrate at a temperature of 34 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 5 degrees Celsius) for about a month. After stratification, seeds can be sown in well-draining soil and should be kept moist until germination occurs, which is generally in the spring. The seedlings will then be nurtured in a nursery setting for a few years before being planted out into their permanent location.
