Large tree with dark or blue-green foliage and a dense, narrow, conical crown of short branches spreading in close rows. Needles evergreen; 0.6-1 in (1.5-2.5 cm) long. Height: 80-100 ft (24-30 m). Diameter: 1.5-2.5 ft (0.5-0.8 m).
Dominant with subalpine fir in subalpine zone up to timberline; also with other conifers.
Central British Columbia and southwestern Alberta southeast to New Mexico; chiefly in Rocky Mountains; at 8,000-12,000 ft (2,438-3,659 m) in south; down to 2,000 ft (619 m) in north.
Its resonant qualities make the wood of Engelmann spruce valuable for piano sounding boards and violins.
