Birds Nest Spruce
Birds nest spruce is a dwarf conifer with dense horizontal layers of branches. The bright green needles are thin and flat. At maturity it is wider than it is tall. It grows approximately 3 inches per year, indefinitely.
Birds Nest Spruce
Birds nest spruce is a dwarf conifer with dense horizontal layers of branches. The bright green needles are thin and flat. At maturity it is wider than it is tall. It grows approximately 3 inches per year, indefinitely.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Picea abies 'Nidiformis'
Pronunciation
PY-see-uh A-bees nid-ih-FOR-miss
Mature Height
2 to 5 ft.
Mature Spread
3 to 6 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
NA
Bloom time
NA
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
species native to Scandinavia, central and northern Europe
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 3-7
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,000 ft.
Performance
This is an excellent dwarf evergreen for Colorado Springs landscapes. At the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, there are two birds nest spruces. One has been growing for many years and is quite large. The other is a younger plant growing in a rock garden. Both are attractive, easy-care plants that add winter interest to the landscape.
Maintenance
Grows best with regular moisture and a cool or lightly shaded location. Not a good choice for very hot or dry locations. No maintenance is required, generally.