Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Picea mariana 'Ericoides'
Blue Nest Spruce
- Family
- Pinaceae
- Height
- 2 ft to 3 ft
- Width
- 3 ft to 5 ft
- Flower color
- Purplish red immature cones maturing to dark brown
- Foliage color
- Fine blue green needles with a dense nest like habit
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune selectively only as needed to maintain shape and remove damaged branches
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 2 to 7
- Wildlife
- Songbirds and small mammals feed on seeds with dense branches providing shelter
About this plant
Picea mariana 'Ericoides' features fine, needle-like foliage densely arranged along slender branches, creating a soft, heather-like texture and a feathery evergreen canopy that provides year-round interest. The blue-green needles form intricate layers that lend depth and movement to the plant, while fresh spring growth emerges with brighter tones that enhance its delicate appearance. Small purplish-red female cones and yellow pollen cones appear in spring, adding subtle seasonal color among the foliage.
Originating from a species native to northern North America, this cultivar was selected for its unusual texture and ornamental character. It is well suited to rock gardens, conifer collections, foundation plantings, and mixed borders, where its finely textured foliage and evergreen structure provide lasting seasonal appeal.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Rock Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Thyme · Switch grasses · Catmint · Penstemons · Coreopsis · Blanket flower
Design tip
Let the fine, heather-like foliage of ‘Ericoides’ provide textural contrast within the garden. Its intricate layers of blue-green needles create a softer, more feathery effect than many conifers, while the dense nest-like form maintains a strong evergreen presence throughout the year.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at The Oregon Garden.
