Pinus nigra 'Aurea'

The Golden Austrian Pine, Pinus nigra 'Aurea,' is a recent introduction sporting long, stiff needles that are yellow or yellow-green in their first year, transitioning to green the year after. Without having long-term experience with this new cultivar, we can't say what size it might reach at maturity. We can say that its growth rate is slower than that of the green-leaved species, adding maybe 6 to 8 inches in height per year. At that rate, it reaches up to 7 feet tall and 3 feet wide or so at 10 years of age. We estimate a narrower than broader pyramidal form 15 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide at its base over time. In full sun, this one will keep branches and foliage to the ground, or lower branches can be removed to form an attractive small tree. This rare golden beauty makes for a pleasing focal point in the landscape that will surely draw attention and be a conversation piece.

The Golden Austrian Pine is ideal for a focal point specimen, grouped, or in privacy screens. Its lower branches can be removed to form an attractive small tree. It is also suitable for fixed planters and is a fine addition to rock gardens, conifer gardens, yellow theme gardens, and the Xeriscape (low water needs when established).