Tree with a slender, straight trunk. The lower branches bend greatly, and the ends grow sharply upwards. This produces a decorative growth pattern. Thanks to its decorative shape and the fact that the tree only grows to be about 4 m wide, it has become one of the most popular Picea. The bark is thin and dark brown and flakes off in sheets: the branches are brown. The flat, stubby needles have 2 white stripes underneath which are clearly visible because of the way the branches bend. The needles on the twigs face forwards. The bright, purplish red male flowers are particularly profuse. After flowering, abundant hanging cones appear which are a violet purple colour at first but later turn a glossy brown. Owing to how close to the surface its roots grow, Picea omorika is sensitive to wind.