This juniper is a naturally occurring sport of the classic Pfitzer juniper. New foliage is golden yellow, becoming more yellowish green in the winter; older foliage is green. Form is spreading and layered, growing about 6 to 10 feet tall and up to twice as wide. There is an improved selection, 'Gold Coast,' that has a more distinct gold coloring and retains the gold color into the winter. It is also smaller, at about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
Grow in average, well-drained soils in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils, though performs well in dryish, sandy soils with good drainage. Intolerant of wet soils. Prune selectively to control size (see Guides). Also listed as J. chinensis 'Pfitzeriana Aurea'.