Unique Features: First introduced in 1964 the Compact Gem Bosnian pine grows at an intermediate rate into a tidy teardrop shape the holds its lower branches well.  The dark green, 2’’ to 3 ½’’, needles hold the darker shade throughout the winter, especially when compared to those of an Austrian or Ponderosa pines. The close branching makes for a very dense little tree.  It has a two year cone cycle that starts when the cones emerge blue purple and mature to brown; they can hold on the tree even longer than the two year cycle.  This tree is suitable for water wise planting once established.  Bosnian pines are native to the dry soils at higher elevation areas of the Balkans, Greece and Italy.