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Are Blue Spruce Edible? #766118

Asked August 06, 2021, 3:59 PM EDT

We have a blue spruce tree in our back yard and we have heard about pine needle tea and would like to use our spruce. I have done some research and it was said that I can brew tea from it but I'd to hear from an expert.

Montrose County Colorado

Expert Response

Hello,

I am not finding any research based information that this is a good source to make tea from, only that the pitch was used to make items.  Though we teach historic uses of plants as part of our Native Plant program, we do not encourage as the time of year, part of plant, quantities that can be tolerated must be known to be safe.  I will warn that trimming evergreens during the growing season can attract insects.  Sorry that I do not have a good answer for you.

Susan Carter, Hort. and Natural Resources Agent

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2021, 11:04 AM EDT

Thank you for your response.

 

Good to know about the trimming. I would hate to damage my 35 year-old tree (estimate).  I have broken off candles in the spring in order shape the tree with no problems. I don’t do extensive shaping though.

 

Yvonne McChesney

 

 

From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Monday, August 9, 2021 9:05 AM
To: godskids <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Are Blue Spruce Edible? (#0036049)

 

The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2021, 11:57 AM EDT

Yes, it has been a tough tree year and yours looks really good!

Take Care.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2021, 3:27 PM EDT

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