Variation among Picea pungens Progenies grown in Ohio

Abstract

Abstract Wide variation in foliage color, height, and form was found among progenies of blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.) grown in Ohio from seed collected from 32 provenances. Data were collected seven and 12 years after permanent field planting of 3-3 stock. Broad differences also occurred among 4 geographic regions, each made up of anywhere from 4 to 12 provenances. Trees from the region (Region 3) of southern Colorado, northern New Mexico, and northern Arizona averaged the fastest growth, bluest color, and most symmetrical form. Those trees from Utah and Wyoming (Region 2) most often had the slowest growth rate and least desirable form and color. The average performance of trees from northern Colorado (Region 1) and southern New Mexico and southern Arizona (Region 4) was generally intermediate between that of Region 2 and Region 3. Although regional differences were significant, great variability existed among provenances across the entire range of the species. Nurserymen desiring to grow blue spruce with improved growth rate, color, and form at a lower cost should consider collecting seed from those seed sources which have consistently proven themselves to be superior in this and other studies.