154 TREES OF MINNESOTA. 



correct results, but a certain way is to examine the bark 

 of the new growth between the needles, which if slightly 

 downy indicates the Engelmann Spruce, and if smooth and 

 shining 1 , the Colorado Blue Spruce. 



Distribution. Northern New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, 

 northward to British Columbia, in the mountains at high 

 elevations. 



Propagation. By seeds. 



Properties of wood. Very light, soft, weak, very close 

 straight grained, compact, satiny; color pale yellow, tinged 

 with red: sapwood hardly distinguishable. Specific gravity 

 0.3449; weight of a cubic foot 21.49 pounds. 



Uses The Engelmann Spruce is a valuable ornamental 

 and timber tree, resembling the Blue Spruce, but it has been 

 tried to only a limited extent. It is the most valuable timber 

 tree of the central Rocky Mountain region, where it forms 

 extensive forests. In Colorado it is manufactured into lum- 

 ber and is largely used for fuel, charcoal, etc. The bark is 

 rich in tannin and in Utah is sometimes used for tanning 

 leather. 



Picea excelsa. Norway Spruce. 



Leaves long, deep green in color, falling during the fifth 

 season. Cones cylindrical, large, 5 to 7 inches long, light 

 colored, often very conspicuous in the tops of the trees. A 

 fine large conical tree with stout branches and generally 

 pendulous branchlets. There are numerous horticultural 

 varieties, some of the dwarf forms growing only 3 to 5 feet 

 high. 



Distribution. Native of northern Europe and Asia. 



Propagation. Easily grown from seeds which are used in 

 large quantities. The varieties are propagated by grafting 

 on the species. 



Properties of wood. Light, strong and finegrained. Specific 

 gravity, air dried, 0.47. 



Uses. The Norway Spruce has been largely planted in 

 the more eastern states and is a general favorite as it grows 

 more rapidly than any of our native spruces and is very 

 graceful and stately in form. There are many plantings of 

 this tree in Minnesota and they are holding on well yet the 



