Picea abies 'Aurea' is a fast-growing, upright, pyramidal tree form of Norway spruce with semi-pendant branching and foliage tips brushed with gold. The plant pushes with surprising yellow new growth in the spring. Because of the golden foliage, the plant has a tendency for sun scorch if grown in hot afternoon sun.
'Aurea' grows nearly as large and fast as the species. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 10 feet (3 m) tall and 4.5 feet (1.5 m) wide an average annual growth rate of nearly 12 inches (30 cm).
This is a very old cultivar in the nursery trade, first described in botanical literature by Élie-Abel Carrière in 1855.
