Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Pinaceae

Genus:

Picea

Species:

Picea smithiana

USDA Symbol:

PISM

Growth Characteristics

Height:

6000 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to Himalayan regions with high rainfall

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

21–60 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30–60 days to break dormancy; sow in spring.