blue spruce, Picea pungens

These are the male cones of blue spruce. This is a western native, now escaping cultivation in the east. A beautiful but prickly tree. They're very popular in yards and Christmas tree lots. Maybe not as popular among Christmas tree lot workers. Getting one of these on top of a car and tying it down is no fun. Blue spruce is native in AZ, CO, ID, NM, UT, and WY, and has now also been reported from MD, ME, MI, MN, NY, and PA. Cultivated in Lenawee Co MI, 5/14/15.