Dwarf Alberta Spruce Sprouts Unusually Large Growth

Don’t be alarmed if your dwarf Alberta spruce appears to have a larger tree sprouting from its more compact form. This bizarre growth is not uncommon and is the result of genetic reversion.

This dwarf conifer originated from a mutation discovered on a white spruce, a tree that normally grows 40 to 60 feet tall.  The mutation resulted in compact growth that was used to propagate this slow growing, dense compact tree. 

Occasionally a branch of dwarf Alberta spruce will undergo a reverse mutation and grow into the larger more robust white spruce. Simply remove the larger branch back to the branch bark collar, the swollen area next to the trunk. In the future do this as soon as possible to prevent it from taking over and ruining the size and shape of your dwarf spruce.

And don’t worry, your plant will be fine.

A bit more information: Reversion is often seen in other plants. Seedless clones of trees often begin producing seeds, and plants with variegated leaves often spout a branch with leaves that lack variegation.

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dwarf-alberta-spruce white-spruce

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