Identifying the Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana)

The tree described is almost certainly the Monkey Puzzle tree, scientifically known as Araucaria araucana. This evergreen conifer is native to Chile and Argentina and is known for its distinctive, symmetrical growth habit with whorls of stiff, sharp-pointed leaves.

Key characteristics match your description: the branches grow in regular tiers (halos) spaced 6–8 inches apart, the leaves are flat, 1 inch long, ¼ inch wide, bright green when young, hardening to deep green with a vicious point. The tree is slow-growing, often adding only inches per year, and can reach 8 feet tall in cultivation as you have observed.

Araucaria araucana is dioecious, meaning male and female cones are on separate trees; both are needed for seed production. It is hardy in USDA zones 7–10 and can grow outdoors in coastal British Columbia and similar mild climates. In Oklahoma's colder winters, keeping it in a container and moving it indoors is wise.

If you wish to plant it outdoors, consult a local nursery to confirm it can survive your zone. Otherwise, enjoy it as a striking container specimen, providing bright light and well-drained soil.