The Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) is a popular, slow-to-moderate growing evergreen known for its striking silvery-blue, sharp needles, making it a favorite for landscaping and Christmas trees, valued for its pyramidal shape, tolerance for well-drained soils, and deer resistance, though it needs full sun and proper moisture to thrive and avoid issues like mites or canker. Native to the Rocky Mountains, it's a sturdy tree, growing 30-80 feet tall in landscapes, offering year-round color and structure, but can become sparse with age if conditions aren't ideal. 
Key Characteristics
Foliage: Distinctive silvery-blue to blue-green, 4-sided, sharp-pointed needles (1-1.5 inches long).
Shape: Dense, narrow pyramid with horizontal branches, often reaching the ground.
Size: Typically 30-80 feet tall in cultivation, wider in the wild, growing 1-2 feet per year.
Cones: 3-4 inch light brown cones with thin scales.
Texture: Stiff, rigid needles.
Growing Conditions
Sun: Full sun is best (at least 6 hours).
Soil: Prefers rich, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Water: Needs consistent moisture, especially when young, but established trees have some drought tolerance.
Hardiness: Hardy in cooler climates (Zones 2-7), may struggle in hot, humid summers.