Mathematical properties [of branching model]
If an element c of the list b is real, so that there is a stem that goes straight up, then the limiting height of the center of the pattern is obtained by summing a geometric series, and is given by 1/(1 - c). The overall limiting pattern will be finite so long as Abs[c] < 1 for all elements of b. After n steps the total length of all stems is given by Apply[Plus, Abs[b]]n. (See page 1006 for other properties.)