2004Theodore Klein Plant Award Winners
by Winston Dunwell

Picea Orientalis (L.) Link.

Picea orientalis, Oriental Spruce is a pyramidal plant that ofter develops pendulous branches with age that is hardy in zones 4 to 7. The needles are relatively short at 1/4" to1/2", stiff, and shiny dark green. The tree averages 50-60 feet in the landscape, but specimens do exist that are over 100 feet tall. The dense foliage and tight, sometimes pendulous, habit are superior to other spruces frequently found in Kentucky. Picea orientalis 'Skylands' when observed in September at the Baker Arboretum, Bowling Green, KY had maintained it's golden foliage. Examples can be seen at Bernheim Arboretum, Baker Arboretum, Boone County Arboretum , and Cincinnati Zoo & Botanic Gardens
Mike Dirr, UGA and Steve Foltz, Cinci Zoo and Botanic Gardens report wonderful examples of the species can be seen in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio and Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, KY. The species is easily produced from seed that requires no pretreatment. Cultivars are porpagated by grafting onto seedlings or Picea abies rootstock. Increased interest may result in cutting or tissue culture propagation being developed to commercially accepted levels of success as they are for selected other spruces.