Abies alba 'Tortuosa' is a bushy, dwarf form of European silver fir with an irregular, monstrous growth habit; twisted, compact, ascending branches; and irregularly arranged, short needles measuring only 0.44 to 0.76 inches (11 - 19 mm) long and bright green. Typical rate of growth is 6 to 12 inches (15 - 30 cm) per year resulting in a mature plant measuring 10 feet (3 m) tall and somewhat less wide after 10 years in the landscape. It is said to perform best in partial shade.
This cultivar originated as a seedling selected around 1835 by J. Booth & Sons, Flottbeck Nurseries, Hamburg, Germany.
