Tapao Shan Spruce Data Sheet

• Common name: Tapao Shan spruce

• Latin name: Picea Gemmata

• Genus: Picea

• Height: 40 - 50 Ft

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 5

• Conservation status: Endangered

Picea Gemmata, commonly known as the Tapao Shan spruce, is a conifer native to China. Its range extends across West Sichuan, Kangding, Jiuzhaigou (Zheduo Shan), Qinghai, and Ban Ma Xian.

This tree is generally found at high altitudes, mostly from 3000 m (10,000 ft) to 4000 m (13,000 ft).

Tapao Shan spruce is expected to grow between 40 - 50 Ft tall in the UK, with a trunk diameter up to 1 m (40 in). The bark is brown, rough and scaly. The needles are arranged singly all round the shoots, 12–18 mm (half an inch) long, and green or blue in colour. The cones are conical, 4 - 5 inches long and 2–4 cm (1–2 in) broad at the base when closed, green at first, ripening to dark brown.

The Tapao Shan spruce is closely related to the Dragon spruce, and shares many of its characteristics.

It can live up to 150 years.

It is threatened by habitat loss due to logging, fires, and grazing. It has no current uses due to its endangered status. Historically, it has been used for timber.

Growth Habit

Shoot growth usually starts in February and continues until September. Yearly height increases of 10–20 cm are common in season 2 under the right conditions.

These were sown this year and are now prepping for their winter slumber. Plants are small, 2 inches tall.

Saplings are in pots. I recommend that they are separated into individual pots upon receipt.

Fully hardy off to minus 21°C or colder come autumn

Care Instructions

Keep free from competing weeds and never allow to completely dry out, water logging should also be avoided. Trees will perform best raised outdoors in full sunny position. The growth rate is medium and will soon need re-potting to beyond a 10" pot. Once the trees reach around 1 ft high they can be set in their final planting position.

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