Often mislabeled and sold in the U.S. as Picea glauca 'Echiniformis', this is still a beautiful, tiny conifer, worthy of any garden. It's an unusual plant in that it has twice sent up a little tiny branch that was reverting that I have snipped off. It's growing less than an inch a year(2 cm).

2010

2011 - Note the unusual look of the new growth in early Summer.

2012

2013

And for comparison, I believe this photo was posted by Stephen(bluespruce), and it shows what he believes is the TRUE Picea glauca 'Echiniformis'.

Maybe the experts and historians might discuss away if you're compelled to do so.

-Will