WSU Clark County Extension

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Vermont Gold Norway Spruce

Scientific name: Picea abies 'Vermont Gold'

Taxonomy
Family:Pinaceae
Type:Dwarf conifers
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 9
Sun:Partial shade
Plant Characteristics
Height:1 ft
Width:3 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description This variant of Bird’s Nest Spruce features short lemon yellow needles.

  Morphology:
This is a dwarf conifer with a completely prostrate growth habit resulting in a mature size of 1’ in height and 3’ in width after 10 years. Unlike Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ this cultivar will have flatter over-all appearance.

Each year it will put on 4”-6” of annual needle elongation. It was introduced into the trade by Greg Williams of Kate Brook Nursery in Vermont. The golden foliage overlays a darker green foliage beneath. It also has a prostrate mounded habit similar to 'Repens'.

  Adaptation:
During extreme summer heat Vermont Gold Norway Spruce will sunburn if it is planted in full sun. Thus partial shade will be best. With full shade the gold color disappears.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234