Tigertail Spruce (Picea polita or P. Torano)

Tigertail Spruce is found through a wide range in Japan and is noteworthy for its attractiveness in foliage and persisting cones. However, a sudden encounter with tigertail spruce will induce pain from the spiny stiff needles. The older specimen in the southwest part of Section 101 was complimented with two companions to flank it some years later, seeing that they are much shorter in height. Its cold tolerance, coming from mountainous areas up to 4800-foot elevation will give it a more northern range in the Americas. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Tigertail spruce as Vulnerable which is above Least Concern but less than Endangered. Our champion specimen measured a 78-inch circumference, 60-foot height, 38-foot crown spread and rated 147-points.