Golden Korean Fir is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has attractive chartreuse evergreen foliage which emerges gold in spring. The needles are highly ornamental and remain chartreuse throughout the winter. The purple fruits are held in cones from late summer to late winter. The smooth gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Golden Korean Fir is an open evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
Golden Korean Fir will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 13 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.
This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
