Identifying a “hybrid” evergreen - Ask Extension
The spruce branches suddenly appeared at the top of this tree this spring. The tree has been in the yard for at least ten years in a simple cone shape...
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Identifying a “hybrid” evergreen #870711
Asked May 30, 2024, 9:28 AM EDT
The spruce branches suddenly appeared at the top of this tree this spring. The tree has been in the yard for at least ten years in a simple cone shape. Several Norway Spruce and a large blue spruce are growing nearby. What do we have here?
Lenawee County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi John,
This appears to be a "tree reversion" where a genetically modified cultivar of in this case a spruce, genetically reverted back to the DNA from whence it was cultivated. The article at the link below explains the phenomenon in more detail:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/understanding_tree_reversions
As mentioned near the end of the article, you may prune off the new growth that reverted. Identify the branch, and trim at the base of each twig affected. Summer is a great time to prune evergreens, so you may do this anytime.
Thank you for a fun question!
-Julie
This appears to be a "tree reversion" where a genetically modified cultivar of in this case a spruce, genetically reverted back to the DNA from whence it was cultivated. The article at the link below explains the phenomenon in more detail:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/understanding_tree_reversions
As mentioned near the end of the article, you may prune off the new growth that reverted. Identify the branch, and trim at the base of each twig affected. Summer is a great time to prune evergreens, so you may do this anytime.
Thank you for a fun question!
-Julie
