This is an outstanding and exceptionally hardy ornamental Juniper. J. communis Depressa Aurea is bronze in winter, new growth on this plant comes out butter-yellow. The plant gradully becomes golden remaining so for most of the summer. The undersides of the leaves are silvery-white. The plant is exceptionally prickly. Only approach it with gloves. Its prickly nature make it a good border plant as it helps to repel animals from planting beds. If you plant it in a bright sunny location this plant will reward you from late spring through summer with a choice yellow color. Plant in a bright sunny location any shade at all will give disappointing results. Winter color is unattractive. The plant turns to such a color that you would certainly believe that it had died.
The plant can easily reach a size of 6 to 8 ft. spread and about a 18" height.
Authors consider J. communis Depressa aurea to be the golden form of J. communis var. depressa (The World Checklist of Conifers by Humphrey Welch and Gordon Haddow)
