Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani 'Barney' is an irregular globose selection of Turkish fir with stiff, short branching and needles. As plants age, the tops of the branchlets may become exposed, giving plants the appearance of natural bonsai. After 10 years, a mature specimen will measure 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 24 inches (60 cm) broad, an annual growth rate of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cm).
This cultivar originated as a witch's broom found in mid-1990s, by Ken Franke, on a tree growing on a Christmas tree farm near Forest Grove, Oregon, that was owned by nurseryman, Barney Douglass, hence the name. For a long time, there was some debate as to whether the correct cultivar name was 'Barney' or 'Franke.' During a personal conversation between David Olszyk and Ken Franke in 2015, Ken made it abundantly clear that he wanted the plant named for Barney Douglass, and that he didn't believe in naming plants for himself.
