Picea abies 'Mariae Orffiae' / Maria Orff's Norway spruce

Picea abies 'Marieae Orffiae' is a dense, dwarf, flattened-globose selection of Norway spruce with symmetrical, upward facing branches, dense, spreading lateral branching and short, fine, yellowish green needles. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of 1.5 to 2 inches (4.5 - 6 cm).

This cultivar originated as natural dwarf mutation found in 1928 by Maria Seifert-Orff near Unteraltung, north of Ammerlake, Germany. Maria was the wife of Professor Alwin Seifert, renowned German garden architect , architect, university teacher , landscaper, home keeper and conservationist . The two are considered among of the most important representatives of the early ecology movement and biodynamic agriculture even in the era of National Socialism.