Engelmann Spruce is the dominant conifer of the subalpine zone in the Rocky Mountains, forming dense, dark forests near treeline from British Columbia to New Mexico. Its slender, graceful form and drooping lower branches shed snow efficiently at high elevations. It provides essential nesting and cover habitat for many subalpine birds and mammals.
Habitat
Subalpine forests of the Rocky Mountains, 8,000–12,000 ft elevation
Diet
Seeds eaten by Clark's nutcracker, crossbills, and red squirrels
How common
Common
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