Aurea Golden Atlas Cedar

‘Aurea’ is a slow-growing golden-leaved selection of Atlas cedar (*Cedrus atlantica*). Its new foliage emerges golden yellow and ages to greenish yellow, and the tree develops a broad conical outline. ## Landscape use Use this cultivar as a specimen where its changing foliage and eventual size have room to show. The Royal Horticultural Society reports that it can exceed 12 metres (about 39 feet) in height and 8 metres (about 26 feet) in spread, taking more than 50 years to mature. It is a large tree rather than a compact golden shrub. See the exact [RHS ‘Aurea’ profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/133001/cedrus-atlantica-aurea/details). ## Siting Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. The RHS identifies the cultivar as a large, rather slow-growing conifer. Utah State University lists Atlas cedar for USDA zones 6–9 and notes its preference for warm sites with good moisture and deep, well-drained soil. [Utah State University TreeBrowser](https://extension.usu.edu/treebrowser/catalog/cedar-atlas) includes ‘Aurea’ among the species cultivars. ## Foliage The strongest gold color appears on young growth; older needles become greener. This gradual color change gives the tree a mixed golden and green appearance through the seasons. ## Maintenance Plan for its mature canopy before planting. Water during establishment and prolonged dry spells, and avoid waterlogged soil. Routine pruning is not needed; remove damaged branches only when necessary.