Picea pungens 'Burl Jean' is a miniature, flattened-globose selection of Colorado blue spruce with stubby, uniform branching and extremely thick, fleshy, bright, sky-blue needles. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 8 inches (20 cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) wide, an annual growth rate of 1 inch (1.5 cm) or less.
This cultivar originated as a witch's broom found growing on a burl on a tree growing on Downing Street in Denver, Colorado. Jerry Morris of Lakewood, CO and Joe Stupka of Pulaski, PA are jointly credited with finding the mother broom, distributing cuttings, and introducing it to the nursery trade. Although unconfirmed, the plant is likely named in honor of Joe's wife, Dorothy, who nickname is "Jean."
