Koyama's Spruce Tree

The accepted botanical name for Koyama's spruce is Picea koyamae. Kew and Trees and Shrubs Online place the species in central Honshu, Japan; the latter explains that older reports from Korea arose from historical confusion with other spruces. [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:676963-1) and [Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/picea/picea-koyamae/) ## Form and garden use This evergreen conifer develops a straight trunk and long horizontal branches. The University of Minnesota lists mature dimensions of about 50–60 feet tall and 25–40 feet wide, with pale-green needles and a broad, spreading crown. These are landscape estimates; a young plant will take time to approach mature size. [University of Minnesota UFOR profile](https://trees.umn.edu/komayas-spruce-picea-koyamae) ## Growing conditions The University of Minnesota recommends full sun, average moisture and well-drained soil, noting that the species can adapt to both wet and dry sites. Provide room for its eventual spread and avoid assuming that a plant will tolerate prolonged drought immediately after planting. ## Maintenance Water regularly while roots establish, then adjust irrigation to rainfall and drainage. Keep mulch away from the trunk and avoid unnecessary pruning; preserve the tree's naturally horizontal branching.