Picea orientalis 'Aurea' / Golden Caucasian spruce

Picea orientalis 'Aurea' is an moderately fast growing, broadly conical, upright selection of Caucasian spruce that creates an impressive spring show of creamy yellow new growth that darkens to darker green over the course of the season. While similar in structure, appearance and performance to Picea orientalis 'Aureospicata,' this plant will retain a hint of yellow in the foliage thoughout the year, while 'Aurospicata' will fully darken to deep green in color.

After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 7.5 feet (2.5 m) tall and 4.5 feet (1.5 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm).

This cultivar was introduced in 1873 by P. Smith, Bergedorf Germany.