a buyer’s guide

Trees for Conservation

Many thanks to Dennis Will, Vince Urbina, Randy Moench andMike Way, all of the Colorado State Forest Service, for the finephotographs in this publication.

This publication was developed by the Colorado State ForestService, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523CSFS #115-1196

To be eligible to purchase trees from the Colorado State Forest Service, you must be a Colorado resident, live on a propertyof at least two acres, and plan to use the trees for conservation purposes.

For information on ordering trees and application forms, contact your local soil conservation district, your localCooperative Extension county office, your district Colorado State Forest Service office (page 24), or the Colorado StateForest Service nursery.

Contents

Caragana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Cotoneaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Honeysuckle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Chokecherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Lilac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Native plum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Sumac (skunkbush) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Sand cherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Nanking cherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5European sage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Woods rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Buffaloberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Four-wing saltbush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Golden currant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Serviceberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Mountain mahogany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Antelope bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9New Mexico forestiera (privet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Snowberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Green ash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Siberian elm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Hybrid cottonwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Narrowleaf cottonwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Golden willow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Hackberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Honeylocust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Lombardy poplar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Lacebark elm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Bur oak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Black locust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Coyote willow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Austrian pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Colorado blue spruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Eastern redcedar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Ponderosa pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Rocky Mountain juniper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Scotch pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Aspen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Douglas-fir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Engelmann spruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Lodgepole pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Pinon pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21White fir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Bristlecone pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Limber pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Colorado State Forest Service Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Trees for Conservationa buyer’s guide

a catalog of conservation tree and shrub species grownat the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery

Revised November, 1996

CaraganaCaragana arborescens

CotoneasterCotoneaster acutifolia

Growth Form: irregular or hedgelikeCrown Density: denseSize: 8 - 12 feet high

5 - 8 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 9,500 feetSoil Conditions: good salt and alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: aphids and grasshoppersPossible Disease Problems: very resistantWildlife Value: good: songbirdsSeasonal Color: yellow spring flowersMiscellany: does well in poor soils

Growth Form: ovoid to irregularCrown Density: denseSize: 6 - 8 feet high

3 - 5 foot spreadDrought Resistance: very goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 9,500 feetSoil Conditions: good alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: oyster shell scalePossible Disease Problems: fireblight; fairly resistantWildlife Value: high: song and game birdsSeasonal Color: brilliant red-orange foliageMiscellany: can be clipped to a hedge

1

ChokecherryPrunus virginiana

HoneysuckleLonicera spp.

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: to 8 feet high

to 8 foot spreadDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 8,000 feetSoil Conditions: good alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: aphidsPossible Disease Problems: honeysuckle witch’s broomWildlife Value: good: song and ground birdsSeasonal Color: pink flowers in springMiscellany: good for mass plantings and hedges

Growth Form: ovoid to irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: 6 - 20 feet high

6 - 20 foot spreadDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 9,000 feetSoil Conditions: good alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: borers, pear-slug sawflyPossible Disease Problems: black knot, fireblightWildlife Value: high: song and ground birds; good: small

mammals, and browse for deerSeasonal Color: golden yellow to orange fall foliageMiscellany: delicious edible fruit for jellies and pies;

native; can be poisonous to livestock2

LilacSyringa spp.

Native plumPrunus americana

3

Growth Form: round to irregularCrown Density: denseSize: 8 - 12 feet high

8 - 12 foot spreadDrought Resistance: very goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 8,000 feetSoil Conditions: good alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: lilac borer, leaf miners, oyster

shell scalePossible Disease Problems: lilac leaf blotch, powdery

mildew, some leaf spotsWildlife Value: moderately high: songbirds; cover valueSeasonal Color: fragrant purple or white spring flowersMiscellany: develops into a dense barrier

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: openSize: to 8 feet high

to 8 foot spreadDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 8,000 feetSoil Conditions: good alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: pear-slug sawflyPossible Disease Problems: fireblight, powdery mildewWildlife Value: excellent: hoofed browsers; nesting cover

and food valueSeasonal Color: large white flowers in MayMiscellany: native; delicious edible fruit for jellies and

canning; forms a thicket

Sumac (skunkbush)Rhus trilobata

Sand cherryPrunus besseyi

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: denseSize: to 4 feet high

to 8 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapid to moderateLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 8,000 feetSoil Conditions: excellent alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: fairly resistantPossible Disease Problems: Fusarium wiltWildlife Value: excellent: many birdsSeasonal Color: red-orange fall foliageMiscellany: native; berries have slight lemon taste when

rolled under tongue

Growth Form: spreadingCrown Density: moderateSize: 3 feet high

4 foot spreadDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: goodGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: shortElevational Range: to 7,500 feetSoil Conditions: best on sandy to loamy soilsPossible Insect Problems: pear slug; fall web wormPossible Disease Problems: powdery mildewWildlife Value: excellent: browse and food valueSeasonal Color: pink flowersMiscellany: native; edible fruit

4

Nanking cherryPrunus tomentosa

European sageArtemesia abrotanum

Growth Form: round to irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: to 8 feet high

to 8 foot spreadDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 8,000 feetSoil Conditions: good alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: tent caterpillars, bark beetlesPossible Disease Problems: shot-hole leaf spot, black knotWildlife Value: high: song and game birdsSeasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: delicious edible fruit for jellies; blooms early

Growth Form: round to irregularCrown Density: openSize: to 8 feet high

to 8 foot spreadDrought Resistance: very goodCold Hardiness: goodGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 6,000 feetSoil Conditions: good alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: fairly resistantPossible Disease Problems: fairly resistantWildlife Value: fair: cover and browse value

5

Woods rosePrunus tomentosa

BuffaloberryShepherdia argentea

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: openSize: 4 feet high, spreadingDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 10,000 feetSoil Conditions: moistPossible Insect Problems: leaf cutter beesWildlife Value: excellent: big game browse and food value;

relished by grouse, turkey and pheasantSeasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: native; showy flowers; suckers and spreads

Growth Form: round to irregularCrown Density: denseSize: 10 feet high; spreadingDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: moderateLife Span: longElevational Range: to 7,500 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkalinePossible Insect Problems: unimportantPossible Disease Problems: unimportantWildlife Value: good: food value; excellent: cover for small

game and songbird nestingSeasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: native; edible fruit for jellies; forms thickets

6

Golden currantRibes aureum

Growth Form: round to irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: 4 feet high

3 foot spreadDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: goodGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 8,000 feetSoil Conditions: moistPossible Insect Problems: imported currant worm, oyster

shell scalePossible Disease Problems: blister rustWildlife Value: good: food and browse value; nesting coverSeasonal Color: red to orange fall color; showy yellow

flowersMiscellany: native; edible fruit

7

Four-wing saltbushAtriplex canascens

Growth Form: round to irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: 3 feet high

5 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: goodGrowth Rate: moderateLife Span: longElevational Range: to 8,500 feetSoil Conditions: excellent alkali and salt tolerancePossible Insect Problems: grasshoppersWildlife Value: good: forage valueSeasonal Color: mature seed makes fine contrastMiscellany: native

Mountain mahoganyCercocarpus montanus

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: denseSize: 6 feet high

5 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: goodGrowth Rate: moderateLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 9,000 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline; well-drainedPossible Insect Problems: tent caterpillarsPossible Disease Problems: unimportantWildlife Value: high: big game browse; cover for small

game birds and mammalsSeasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: native; seed showy in fall

8

ServiceberryAmelanchier spp.

Growth Form: ovoid to irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: 6 feet high;

5 foot spreadDrought Resistance: fairCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: moderateLife Span: longElevational Range: to 9,000 feetSoil Conditions: moistPossible Insect Problems: pear slugPossible Disease Problems: leaf spots and rustWildlife Value: excellent: big game browse; food value for

upland gameSeasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: native; edible fruit; showy flowers

Antelope bitterbrushPurshia tridentata

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: openSize: 3 feet highDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: goodGrowth Rate: moderateLife Span: shortElevational Range: to 8,500 feetSoil Conditions: well-drainedPossible Insect Problems: tent caterpillar; snail-case

bagwormWildlife Value: high: important browse for deer, elk and

antelopeSeasonal Color: native; showy yellow flowers

New Mexico forestiera (privet)Forestiera neomexicana

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: denseSize: 10 feet highDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: goodGrowth Rate: moderateLife Span: longElevational Range: to 7,500 feetSoil Conditions: moist; alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: unimportantPossible Disease Problems: unimportantWildlife Value: good: fruit valuable to quail, songbirds;

excellent: coverSeasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: native; bluish-black fruit; yellow flowers

9

Green ashFraxinus pennsylvanica

Growth Form: irregular to ellipticalCrown Density: moderateSize: 35 - 75 feet high

15 - 35 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: longElevational Range: to 6,000 feetSoil Conditions: good alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: ash borer, oyster shell scalePossible Disease Problems: occasional powdery mildewWildlife Value: fair: game and songbirdsSeasonal Color: golden-yellow fall foliageMiscellany: native; does best in sandy, loam soils

SnowberrySymphoricarpos spp.

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: openSize: 3 feet highDrought Resistance: fairCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: moderateLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 9,500 feetSoil Conditions: good alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: aphidsPossible Disease Problems: leaf spot, anthracnose, rust,

powdery mildewWildlife Value: good: food and cover for turkey, grouse,

and other small gameSeasonal Color: white fruitMiscellany: native

10

Siberian elmUlmus pumila

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: to 40 feet high

30 - 40 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 8,000 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline wellPossible Insect Problems: elm leaf beetlePossible Disease Problems: bacterial wetwoodWildlife Value: moderate: song and

game birds (seeds and buds)Seasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: hardiest of all elms; can be weedy

Growth Form: globular to irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: 75 - 100 feet high

50 - 75 foot spreadDrought Resistance: poorCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 6,500 feetPossible Insect Problems: leaf miners, fall webworm,

poplar borers, oyster shell scalePossible Disease Problems: cytospora canker; bacterial

wetwood, Marssonina leaf blightWildlife Value: fair: nesting and roosting coverMiscellany: sterile female, usually cottonless; hybrid

Hybrid cottonwoodPopulus deltoides (var. Noreaster)

11

Growth Form: globular to spreadingCrown Density: moderateSize: to 35 feet high

to 35 foot spreadDrought Resistance: poorCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 8,000 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline and salts wellPossible Insect Problems: aphidsPossible Disease Problems: cytospora canker; bacterial

wetwoodWildlife Value: moderate: song and

game birds; food value for buds and twigsSeasonal Color: orange-yellow bark on young growth in

winterMiscellany: requires moist soil

Golden willowSalix alba vitellina

Narrowleaf cottonwoodPopulus angustifolia

Growth Form: ovoid to irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: to 50 feet high

to 30 foot spreadDrought Resistance: fairCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: 5,000 to 9,500 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline wellPossible Insect Problems: blotchmine beetlePossible Disease Problems: cytospora canker; bacterial

wetwoodWildlife Value: moderate: nesting and roosting cover;

buds catkins and twigs for food valueSeasonal Color: yellowMiscellany: native; very weak wood

12

HoneylocustGleditsia triacanthos inermis

Growth Form: irregular, spreadingCrown Density: open, fine-texturedSize: 35 - 75 feet high

15 - 50 foot spreadDrought Resistance: very goodCold Hardiness: very goodGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderate to longElevational Range: to 7,500 feetPossible Insect Problems: pod gall midge; scale insectsPossible Disease Problems: thyronectria canker; sunscald;

cytospora cankerWildlife Value: lowMiscellany: usually thornless

HackberryCeltis occidentalis

Growth Form: globularCrown Density: moderateSize: 40 - 60 feet high

40 - 60 foot spreadDrought Resistance: very goodCold Hardiness: very goodGrowth Rate: rapid to moderateLife Span: longElevational Range: to 7,000 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline well; moderately salt

tolerantPossible Insect Problems: leaf gall psyllids; spiny elm

caterpillar; nipple gall always presentPossible Disease Problems: hackberry witche’s broomWildlife Value: high: songbirds and small mammalsSeasonal Color: pale lemon-yellow foliage in fallMiscellany: native; wood of commercial value

13

Lacebark elmUlmus parvifolia

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: moderateSize: to 40 feet high

to 30 foot spreadingDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: poorGrowth Rate: moderateLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 5,000 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline wellPossible Insect Problems: elm bark beetlePossible Disease Problems: unimportantWildlife Value: moderate: upland song and

game birds (seeds and buds)Seasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: attractive bark

Lombardy poplarPopulus nigra ‘Italica’

Growth Form: columnar to ovoidCrown Density: moderateSize: to 40 feet high

10 - 15 foot spreadDrought Resistance: poorCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: shortElevational Range: to 8,000 feetPossible Insect Problems: fall webwormPossible Disease Problems: bacterial wetwood; cytospora

cankerWildlife Value:lowMiscellany: best for temporary protection only

14

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: openSize: to 40 feet highDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: fairGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 6,000 feetSoil Conditions: well-drained; tolerates alkalinePossible Insect Problems: locust borerPossible Disease Problems: infrequentWildlife Value: low: some food value from seedSeasonal Color: not conspicuous

Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia

Bur oakQuercus macrocarpa

Growth Form: globularCrown Density: moderateSize: to 75 feet highDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: very longElevational Range: to 7,000 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline wellPossible Insect Problems: scales, gall waspsWildlife Value: excellent: acorn food value for birds and

mammalsSeasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: can live more than 20 years

15

Austrian pinePinus nigra

Growth Form: pyramidalCrown Density: openSize: to 40 feet high

to 30 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: fairGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: to 7,000 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline wellPossible Insect Problems: pine tip mothPossible Disease Problems: fairly resistantWildlife Value: high: song and ground birds, food value

from seedsSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: forms a good screen

Coyote willowSalix exigua

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: denseSize: to 10 feet high; spreadingDrought Resistance: poorCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: shortElevational Range: to 9,500 feetSoil Conditions: moistPossible Insect Problems: willow and poplar borers;

sawfly gallsPossible Disease Problems: leaf rustWildlife Value: high: food and cover for birds; browse

value for deer, elk and mooseSeasonal Color: not conspicuousMiscellany: native; suckers and spreads

16

Eastern redcedarJuniperus virginiana

Growth Form: pyramidal to irregularCrown Density: denseSize: 15 - 20 feet high

10 - 20 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: to 7,500 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline and salts wellPossible Insect Problems: spider mitesPossible Disease Problems: rustWildlife Value: high: song and game birds; hoofed

browsers, good coverSeasonal Color: rusty redMiscellany: very adaptable to site conditions

Colorado blue sprucePicea pungens

Growth Form: conicalCrown Density: denseSize: 60 - 100 feet high

15 - 35 foot spreadDrought Resistance: fairCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: to 9,500 feetSoil Conditions: fair alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: pine needle scale, tussock moth,

terminal weevil, gall aphidsPossible Disease Problems: Valsa canker, spruce witche’s

broomWildlife Value: high: song and ground birds and grouse;

hoofed and small browsersSeasonal Color: bluish evergreenMiscellany: native; Colorado’s state tree; high

ornamental value

17

Rocky Mountain juniperJuniperus scopulorum

Growth Form: pyramidal to irregularCrown Density: denseSize: 15 - 50 feet high

10 - 35 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: to 9,000 feetSoil Conditions: excellent alkaline tolerancePossible Insect Problems: spider mites, bark beetlesPossible Disease Problems: juniper broom rust, juniper

gall rusts, juniper true mistletoeWildlife Value: high: song and ground birds, large

browsing mammalsSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: native; often has multiple stems

Ponderosa pinePinus ponderosa

Growth Form: conical to ovoidCrown Density: moderately denseSize: 40 - 100 feet high

15 - 60 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapid to moderateLife Span: longElevational Range: to 9,000 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkaline wellPossible Insect Problems: sawflies, bark beetle,tip mothPossible Disease Problems: western gall rust; dwarf

mistletoe, shoestring root rotWildlife Value: high: song and ground birds, small

mammals, browsersSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: native; needs well-drained soils

18

AspenPopulus tremuloides

Growth Form: ovoid to columnarCrown Density: openSize: 35 - 50 feet high

20 - 35 foot spreadDrought Resistance: PoorCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: moderateElevational Range: to 11,000 feetPossible Insect Problems: poplar borer, scale, tent

caterpillar, twig gall flyPossible Disease Problems: cytospora canker, leaf spotWildlife Value: high: buds and catkins for food value for

grouse and browsersSeasonal Color: yellow fall colorMiscellany: native

Scotch pinePinus sylvestris

Growth Form: pyramidal to ovoidCrown Density: openSize: 40 - 65 feet high

20 - 40 foot spreadDrought Resistance: very goodCold Hardiness: very goodGrowth Rate: rapidLife Span: longElevational Range: to 7,000 feetSoil Conditions: tolerates alkalinePossible Insect Problems: tip moths, ips beetlesPossible Disease Problems: fairly resistantWildlife Value: high: food value for upland game and

song birdsSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: makes an excellent Christmas tree

19

Growth Form: conical to spirelikeCrown Density: denseSize: 70 - 90 feet high

15 - 30 foot spreadDrought Resistance: very goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: 8,000 to 11,000 feetPossible Insect Problems: spruce bark beetle, spruce

budwormPossible Disease Problems: root rot, spruce broom rustWildlife Value: high: food value for grouse and

songbirds; browse for deer and elkSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: native; intolerant of direct sun, requires

shade

Engelmann sprucePicea engelmannii

Douglas-firPseudotsuga menziesii

Growth Form: conical to pyramidalCrown Density: denseSize: 70 - 100 feet high

20 - 35 foot spreadDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: 6,000 to 9,000 feetPossible Insect Problems: spruce budwormPossible Disease Problems: shoestring root rot;

Douglas-fir mistletoe, bacterial gallWildlife Value: high: food value for grouse, songbirds

and small mammals; browse for deer and elkSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: native

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Pinon pinePinus edulis

Growth Form: rounded to irregularCrown Density: denseSize: 15 - 30 feet high

15 - 30 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: to 7,500 feetPossible Insect Problems: pinon pitch borer, ips, spindle

gall midgePossible Disease Problems: black stain root disease,

mistletoeWildlife Value: high: food value from seeds for upland

game and songbirdsSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: native

Lodgepole pinePinus contorta

Growth Form: conical to spirelikeCrown Density: openSize: 35 - 70 feet high

15 - 30 foot spreadDrought Resistance: excellentCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: 6,000 to 11,000 feetPossible Insect Problems: mountain pine beetlePossible Disease Problems: mistletoe, western gall rustWildlife Value: high: food value from seeds for upland

game and songbirdsSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: native; good conifer for high altitude

windbreaks

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Bristlecone pinePinus aristata

Growth Form: irregularCrown Density: openSize: 20 - 40 feet highDrought Resistance: fairCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: to 11,000 feetPossible Insect Problems: bark beetlesPossible Disease Problems: fewWildlife Value: high: food value from seeds for upland

game and songbirdsSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: native

White firAbies concolor

Growth Form: conicalCrown Density: denseSize: 60 - 100 feet high

20 - 35 foot spreadDrought Resistance: very goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: 6,000 to 9,000 feetPossible Insect Problems: spruce budworm, Douglas-fir

tussock mothPossible Disease Problems: needlecast, root rotWildlife Value: moderate: food source and winter cover

for grouse and songbirdsSeasonal Color: bluish evergreenMiscellany: native

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Limber pinePinus flexilis

Growth Form: conical to ovoidCrown Density: openSize: to 35 feet highDrought Resistance: goodCold Hardiness: excellentGrowth Rate: slowLife Span: longElevational Range: to 11,000 feetSoil Conditions: well-drainedPossible Insect Problems: bark beetlesPossible Disease Problems: mistletoeWildlife Value: high: food value from seeds for upland

game and songbirdsSeasonal Color: evergreenMiscellany: native

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Colorado State Forest Service Offices

State OfficeColorado State Forest Service

203 Forestry BuildingColorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO 80523

(970) 491-6303Nursery: (970) 491-8429

Alamosa DistrictColorado State Forest Service401 Santa FePO. Box 1137Alamosa, CO 81101(719) 589-2271

Boulder DistrictColorado State Forest Service936 Lefthand Canyon DriveBoulder, CO 80302(303) 442-0428

Canon City DistrictColorado State Forest Service515 McDaniel BoulevardIndustrial Park Canon City, CO 81212(719) 275-6865

Denver Metro OfficeColorado State Forest ServicePetroleum Building110 16th Street, Suite 625Denver, CO 80202(303) 640-5294

Durango DistrictColorado State Forest ServiceP.O. Box 7233Fort Lewis College CampusDurango, CO 81301(970) 247-5250

Fort Collins DistrictColorado State Forest ServiceBuilding 1052, Foothills CampusColorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO 80523(970) 491-8660

Fort Morgan DistrictColorado State Forest Service801 East BurlingtonFort Morgan, CO 80701(970) 867-5610

Franktown DistrictColorado State Forest Service2068 N. State Highway 83PO. Box 485Franktown, CO 80116(303) 660-9625

Golden DistrictColorado State Forest Service1504 Quaker StreetGolden, CO 80401(303) 279-9757

Granby OfficeColorado State Forest ServiceP.O. Box 69201 E. JasperGranby, CO 80446(970) 887-3121

Grand Junction DistrictColorado State Forest ServiceState Services Building222 S. 6th Street, Room 416Grand junction, CO 81501(970) 248-7325

Gunnison OfficeColorado State Forest ServiceP.O. Box 1390Gunnison, CO 81230(970) 641-6852

High Country DistrictColorado State Forest ServicePO. Box 2189Dillon, CO 80435(970) 468-1667

La Junta DistrictColorado State Forest ServicePO. Box 977Dalton & Highway 50 WestLa Junta, CO 81050(719) 384-9087

La Veta DistrictColorado State Forest ServicePO. Box 81Moore & Poplar StreetsLa Veta, CO 81055(719) 742-3588

Montrose OfficeColorado State Forest Service102 Par Place, Suite 3Montrose, CO 81401(970) 249-9051

Salida DistrictColorado State Forest Service7980 W Highway 50Salida, CO 81201(719) 539-2579

State ForestColorado State Forest Service59228 Highway 14Walden, CO 80480(970) 723-4505

Steamboat Springs DistrictColorado State Forest ServiceP.O. Box 7736571475 Pine Grove Road, Suite 201 ASteamboat Springs, CO 80477(970) 879-0475

Woodland Park DistrictColorado State Forest ServiceP.O. Box 9024113 S. BoundaryWoodland Park, CO 80866(719) 687-2951

CSFS NurseryColorado State Forest ServiceBuilding 1060, Foothills CampusColorado State UniversityFort Collins, CO 80523(970) 491-8429