Picea abies 'Witches' Brood' is a very slow-growing, semi-dwarf, globose selection of Norway spruce that with age, becomes broadly conical, "behive-shaped." Dense symmetrical branching is said by many to resemble "ostrich-feathers." Needles are finely textured and light-green in color. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 20 inches (50 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of 2 inches (5 cm).
This cultivar originated as witch's broom seedling selected in the late 1960s by American teacher and horticulturalist, H. Lincoln Foster of Falls Village, Connecticut. You can read Mr. Foster's obituary at this link where you can learn of his many achievements. Hillside Gardens of Lehighton, Pennsylvania introduced it to the nursery trade in 1970 under the name 'Millcreek Broom.' It is also known in the trade as 'Millstream Broom.' Greg Williams of Kate Brook Nursery, Storrs, Vermont referred to it as, "Foster's plant in Connecticut."
