Picea purpurea aka Purple Cone Spruce

Picea purpurea is the purple-coned spruce, an evergreen tree. It belongs to the pine family, Pinaceae. Its native range lies in western China. It grows in southern Gansu, eastern Qinghai, and northwestern Sichuan. There, it forms part of high mountain forests. It grows mainly on slopes that face north. Records place it at 8,500–12,500 feet [2,600–3,800 metres] above sea level.

This spruce forms a narrow cone or upright column. The RHS gives a height of 66 feet [20 metres]. Its listed spread is 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a much larger mature range. Its trees reach 50–150 feet [15–46 metres] in height. Their spread reaches 20–50 feet [6–15 metres]. These figures show how much the size estimates differ. Growth is moderate, adding about one foot [0.3 metres] yearly. The bark flakes and has an orange-brown colour. Short, dark green needles grow around the hairy young twigs. Their lower faces look grey-white.

This conifer makes cones rather than true flowers. Purple seed cones appear at twig ends in spring. They have an oval to short, cylinder-like shape. The cones turn purple-brown as they age. Sources give cone lengths of roughly 1.6–3 inches. The green foliage stays on the tree through winter. Its narrow form suits use as a specimen or screen. It needs ample room, away from homes and other structures. Its timber serves for building, furniture, and paper pulp.

Grow it in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Deep soil is best, with an acid or neutral pH. It can grow in clay, loam, or sand. It also tolerates poor, shallow soil that stays moist. Strong winds are not a problem in suitable soil. Shallow roots can make trees more prone to windfall. Shade, dry soil, and air pollution do not suit it. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 4–6; Chicago lists 4–7. The RHS rates it H7. Routine pruning is not needed. Possible pests include adelgids, spider mites, and conifer aphids. Honey fungus may also affect it.

Plants For A Future records several food uses. Young male catkins can be eaten raw or cooked. Immature female cones can be cooked. Inner bark serves as an emergency thickener after drying and grinding. The seeds are edible but small and hard to handle. Young shoot tips can make a vitamin C-rich tea. That source reports no known hazards and no medicinal uses.