Green Dragon Spruce Data Sheet

• Common name: Green dragon spruce

• Latin name: Picea retroflexa

• Genus: Picea

• Height: 12 m (41 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 7–8

• Conservation status: Endangered

Picea retroflexa, commonly known as the Green dragon 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).

Green dragon spruce is 12 m (41 ft) tall, 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, 5–9 cm (13–23 in) long and 2–4 cm (1–2 in) broad at the base when closed, green at first, ripening to dark brown.

The Green dragon 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.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pre treatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet or dried out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 2–5 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of damping off disease. Place in a bright location such as a windowsill. Ensure seedlings never dry out. Water logging should also be avoided; young trees hate wet feet. These seedlings are fairly robust and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into their own 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce.

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