Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold' / Korean Gold Japanese plum-yew
Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold' is a slow-growing pillar-shaped selection of Japanese plum-yew with golden foliage that is particularly in intense during the spring flush of new growth. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 28 to 40 inches (70 - 100 cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) wide, an annual growth rate of 2 to 4 inches (5 - 10 cm). This conifer can be somewhat difficult to site. In hotter climates, given too much sun the foliage will tend to burn and in full shade, the foliage will be entirely green. A few hours of morning sun seems to be the "sweet spot."
This cultivar originated in Japan long ago. It's original Japanese name is 'Ogon chosen maki,' a name that never gained traction in the western nursery trade.
Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold' — a well-sited specimen in the Oregon Garden's conifer collection, Silverton, OR; an ACS Reference Garden.
Photo by David Olszyk
Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold' — a specimen at Wave Hill Botanical Gardens, Bronx, New York; photo from June 2013
Photo by Alex Ruchelman
Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold' — a 2008 accession at the New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx, New York (USDA Hardiness Zone 7a); photo from 2020.
Photo by Katherine Wagner-Reiss
Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold'
in the Gotelli Collection at The U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, D.C.; photo from May 2006. The plant looks a bit ragged!
Photo by Dax Herbst
Cephalotaxus harringtonii 'Korean Gold' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Sandra McLean Cutler
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