Juniperus × pfitzeriana 'Aurea Improved' [sold as Gold Coast®]
Gold Coast Pfitzer Juniper

Juniperus × pfitzeriana ′Aurea Improved′ [sold as Gold Coast®] - Bark and Foliage

Family:

Cupressaceae (Cypress Family) 99

Genus:

Juniperus (Juniper, Chinese Juniper, Creeping Juniper, Savin Juniper, Redcedar) 56

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Spreading / Branched 100

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 533

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Evergreen 263

Foliage Notes:

Gold (Golden evergreen foliage that retains its color through the winter)

Fruit Notes:

Blue;brown (Dioecious; female: whitish blue to brown cones; male: dark brown cones)

Ultimate Height:

2-3 feet

Ultimate Spread:

3-4 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Widely adapted to soils, except those that are wet

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Adult leaves (0.06" long) are scale-like, rhombic, very stiff, and typically 4-ranked in opposite pairs. Adult abaxial leaf surface has a paler margin, and a small glandular depression. Juvenile growth always produces awl-like leaves (0.3-0.5"). Awl leaves are spreading in whorls of 3 or opposite, with 2 glaucous bands above, ending in a spiny point.

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Cedar, Red Cedar

Special Characteristics:

Pollution Tolerant 217

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 191

Notable Texture 282

Winter Interest 117

Additional Information

This variant is compact and spreading with lacy, golden needles that hold their color through the winter. Widely adaptable to soils and climates. Tolerates alkaline soils, heat, and drought. Members of this species are used from New England to Minnesota to Louisiana. Phomopsis and Kabatina blights can be a serious problem in some areas, especially for small plants.