Picea abies 'Aurescens' / yellowing Norway spruce

Picea abies 'Aurescens' is a broadly upright, tree form of Norway spruce that is virtually identical to the typical species with the exception of spring flush of foliage, which bursts forth with magnificent golden yellow. Later, as the season progresses, the needles fade to more of a muted yellowish green. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 6 feet (2 m) tall and 4 feet (1.3 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 6 to 8 inches (15 - 20 cm).

This cultivar is named for a tree selected in the 1920s by Westbrook Gardens, New York, USA. Arthur Daniel Slavin formally described it in botanical literature in 1932. In the Latin language, "aurescens" refers to the process of "becoming golden."

Picea abies 'Aurescens' — stunning spring color.
Picea abies 'Aurescens' — a closeup of foliage detail in spring.
Photo by Linda Leiškalne

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