Knowledgebase
Spruce question #868468
Asked May 14, 2024, 8:36 PM EDT
Mower County Minnesota
Expert Response
If you need to know more or have other questions after that, please reply to this message and we'll try to help. Thanks.
https://ask2.extension.org/scp/tickets.php?id=866084
On May 14, 2024, at 9:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Black Hills spruce is a variety of white spruce. It's recommended for growing in Minnesota, and is considered more disease resistant than Colorado blue spruce. However, although resistant, it is not immune to needle cast disease. Generally speaking, Norway spruce is more resistant than either white or blue spruce, but it also is not immune.
The Norway spruce variety Royal Splendor might be immune to needle cast. See the disease management section at the following website:
Balsam fir and Frazier fir are closely related species, so closely related that Frazier has been considered a subspecies of Abies balsamea. Their appearance is similar and they will probably be subject to the same pests and disease.
Experts believe Balsam fir will be less likely to adapt to climate change than many other Minnesota conifers, something to consider when making planting decisions.
Concolor fir grows well in Minnesota and is considered disease resistant. Many cultivars including some with weeping forms are available. Avoid wet planting sites.
According to the following publication, which you may have seen, Korean fir is suitable for growing in the Twin Cities area, however the hardiness zone 5 rating suggests it might be subject to winter damage.
https://trees.umn.edu/korean-fir-abies-korean
Some Chamaecyparis species are suitable for growing here. Cool, moist planting sites are best. Information at the following website may be of interest, especially the video:
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chamaecyparis/
