A very variable mountain species, which is known for its tree-like forms (in Latvia some specimens still grow in Lielauce Park, etc.) with a straight trunk up to 8 m high, and bush-shaped forms of various sizes from a few tens of centimeters to several meters high. There are several subspecies and varieties. The height of the shrubs can be limited and thus the shrub can be made more compact by pruning the central buds (usually one central and 6 side buds at the end of the shoot). Needles dark green, very variable in length.
