Picea pungens, or Colorado Spruce, is a large, narrow, conical to columnar, coniferous evergreen tree with horizontal branching to the ground, thin, grey and brownish bark with flaky scales, and stiff, prickly, needle-like, blue-green to silver-blue leaves. The erect, light brown cones are female and yellowish to reddish-purple are male. Cones are attractive to birds. Picea pungens thrives in hummus-rich, neutral to acidic, consistently moist, well-drained soil, in full sun. It can tolerate light shade. Once established, it can withstand some drought. It prefers cool climates and doesn't like the heat and humidity of hot summer climates. Low maintenance, doesn't require pruning. Picea pungens, a very ornamental, great-looking coniferous tree, is a popular Christmas tree. It is great as a specimen plant in large cottage, rustic or urban gardens or planted in groups. Perfect for informal hedges or privacy screens, or as a protection from winds.