Plant Profile: Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea'

Names

Golden Flat Juniper

  • Photo of Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' (Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea's)

Phonetic Spelling:jew-NIP-er-us KOM-yoo-nis

Genus:Juniperus

Species:communis

Family:Cupressaceae

The 'Depressa Aurea' is a resilient, low-growing juniper that adapts well to various soil types, thriving in conditions that are generally unfavorable, except for excessive heat and humidity. It is hardy across several USDA Zones, specifically from 2 to 6. Once established, it demonstrates good drought resistance and is also tolerant of diseases and pests. This plant flourishes in sunny, well-drained locations, including dry, rocky, and sandy soils. Its branches spread out with an upward growth pattern, showcasing a vibrant yellow hue that inspired its name. The branches are procumbent, meaning they grow along the ground without rooting. Initially, it features strong, yellow variegated shoots that gradually lose their intensity over time. The term 'Depressa' highlights its flattened, low-growing nature, while 'Aurea' refers to its golden-yellow foliage.

Recognized as one of the most prevalent junipers in gardens, 'Depressa' is highly tolerant of cold climates. However, its sensitivity to heat and humidity limits its success in regions below Zone 6.

For further details, refer to information on Juniperus communis.

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' Feature Summary

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' Image Gallery

Tags

#evergreen
#drought tolerant

Similar Plants

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' Feature Summary

Attributes
Eastern US and Canada
Leaves
Awl-shaped needles with a glaucous white band on the upper surface. New growth is yellow, it fades with time. Can brown in winter. Grown for its foliage.
Green
White
Gold/Yellow
Whole Plant Traits
Shrub
Native Plant
Cultural Conditions
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont
4a
4b
5b
5a
6a
6b
7a
7b
8b
8a
2a
2b
3a
3b
9a
9b

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' Attributes

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': Country Or Region Of Origin

Eastern US and Canada

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' Leaves

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': Leaf Description

Awl-shaped needles with a glaucous white band on the upper surface. New growth is yellow, it fades with time. Can brown in winter. Grown for its foliage.

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': Leaf Color

spa
Gold/Yellow
spa
Green
spa
White

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': Deciduous Leaf Fall Color

spa
Brown/Copper

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': Hairs Present

No
Yes

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': Leaf Value To Gardener

Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long-lasting
Showy

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' Whole Plant Traits

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': Plant Type

Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' Cultural Conditions

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': Light

Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': NC Region

Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

thermostat
2a
thermostat
2b
thermostat
3a
thermostat
3b
thermostat
4a
thermostat
4b
thermostat
5a
thermostat
5b
thermostat
6a
thermostat
6b
thermostat
7a
thermostat
7b
thermostat
8a
thermostat
8b
thermostat
9a
thermostat
9b

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea' Stem

Juniperus communis 'Depressa Aurea': Stem Is Aromatic

No
Yes