Is the blue powder on the blue spruce tree a fungus?

Answer 1

Colorado blue spruce [Picea pungens] is the native, state tree of Colorado and of Utah. And it grows best there. Elsewhere, it's susceptible to fungal disease. But its color isn't caused by fungus. Instead, it's caused by the waxy silver blue powder, ka bloom, that's naturally formed on the needles. The bloom can be wiped off, or washed off in intense rain and snow fall events. In fact, gradual loss of the powder over time may lessen overall color with age. But the color's genetically determined, and therefore not caused by cultural practices or environmental stresses.

Answer 2

No. [1] The powder's what gives the blue spruce its color. The powder has a range of colors from white to green to blue. [2] It's removable. So it can be washed, or wiped off. So heavy rain and snow fall events can dull blue spruce colors over time.

Answer 3

No. The powder's what gives the tree its color. It can be washed off during rain and snow fall events, and wiped off. And that's why some blue spruce trees can dull in color over time.