Picea likiangensis var. purpurea / Purplecone Spruce

(Jacobson):

P. likiangensis var. purpurea
= P. purpurea.

From W China and E Tibet. Uncommon. Needles 1/3" - 5/8" long, dark green above, pale gray-green beneath. Twigs hairy. Cones 1 1/4" - 2 1/4" (3") long, purple when young. Apex of tree notably narrow with ascending branches. Records: 85' x 5'0" Westonbirt, Gloucestershite, England (1988; planted 1931). Many experts believe this should rank as a separate species, and if so, the variety "balfouriana" ought to be placed in subordination to it.