Little Gem’ is a dwarf cultivar which has a dense, flat, globose, bun or cushion-like habit. New growth needles are light green, turning to a glossy, dark green with age. Typically grows slowly (3″ per year) to 12″ tall and 18-24″ wide, but may occasionally reach 2′ tall and 2-3′ wide. A sport of Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ (bird’s nest spruce).