Balsam firs are usually prized as Christmas trees because of their fragrance and elegant pyramidal form. This curious mutation found at Edwin Carstens Nursery in Germany is a miniature evergreen best used in a rock garden. The tightly packed spiky branches bear very short needles adorned with brown buds during the winter. It will not exceed 20 inches in height and grows very slowly. It needs good rich soil to thrive and will need to be watered during dry periods.