Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier Flora -- Picea engelmannii -- (Engelmann Spruce)

presented by Susan McDougall


Picea engelmannii

Sometimes 50 feet tall at lower elevations, Engelmann Spruce may grow at the highest elevation of any tree species at the Park. Here it is shown in a shrubby "krummholz" form at an elevation of 7,600 feet.

Author: Susan McDougall
Third Burroughs Mountain, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS:
Date: September 1, 2013
Picea engelmannii

The needles are sharp-tipped and 4-sided. They have white stomatal lines on the top and underneath sides.

Author: Susan McDougall
White River, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.9017, -121.6459, 4329
Date: September 1, 2013
Picea engelmannii

The gray bark is platy and sometimes has a maroon hue. This species grows on the north and east sides of the Park, typically at higher elevation, although sometimes below 3,500 feet.

Author: Susan McDougall
White River, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.9017, -121.6459, 4329
Date: September 1, 2013
Picea engelmannii

The young cones are reddish-purple, and, in the photo, very obvious near the top of the tree. They are covered with thin scales, wavy at the tip and turn brown with age.

Author: Susan McDougall
White River, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.9177, -121.5883, 6099
Date: September 2, 2013

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All images are the property of Susan McDougall.
Comments about these photo pages should be directed to podicepswa@gmail.com