Picea smithiana
Picea smithianafam. Pinaceae
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Pl. DE87 — Picea smithiana
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IOverview
Overview
Picea smithiana, a member of the Pinaceae family and commonly known as the Himalayan blue pine, is native to Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet in the West Himalaya region. This evergreen conifer grows best in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 6-9, it reaches heights of up to 30 meters. Known for its edible parts including flowers, inner bark, seeds, and shoots, Picea smithiana is both ornamental and useful in traditional diets. One distinctive feature is its blue-green needles, which contribute to its striking appearance in landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Picea smithiana?
Picea smithiana, a member of the Pinaceae family and commonly known as the Himalayan blue pine, is native to Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet in the West Himalaya region. This evergreen conifer grows best in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Picea smithiana thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows to a height of 30 meters. For propagation, the inner bark, flowers, seeds, seedpods, and shoots are edible parts that can be used.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Picea smithiana for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, hardy tree that thrives in cooler climates and well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Skip sapling, potting mix, compost, and tools for planting.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip during early spring or late fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix with some sand added. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to a larger pot if needed, ensuring not to damage roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for now.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Skip is primarily grown as an ornamental tree, so focus on shaping it through light pruning.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and exposing to intense sun are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersInner barkSeedSeedpodShoots
Edible uses: Condiment, Gum, Tea
Other uses:Fire starterGumResinRoofingLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 5 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)AfghanistanChinaNepalPakistan
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Pinaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Pinaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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