Tree of the month - February 2016
What is tree of the month?
Picea brachytyla – Sargent spruce.
Why is it tree of the month?
Hailing from the high mountains of Asia, Sargent spruce is among the most attractive members of the genus. The two bright white, coalescing stomatal bands on the undersides of the needles are a stand out character. Named after Charles Sprague Sargent, former director of the Arnold Arboretum, Massachusetts, USA, it was first introduced by the Gloucestershire born Ernest Wilson. Relatively common in botanic gardens, the species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN red list.
Where can I find it?
Fine, large specimens can be seen on Morley Ride in the Old Arboretum and in Sand Earth, Silk Wood. Younger examples can be found close to Loop Walk in the Old Arboretum and along Willesley Drive (var. complanata) in Silk Wood.
