| General Description | Microbiota decussata ‘Goldspot’ is an evergreen spreading ground cover with yellow variegation that remains year-round even as the foliage changes colour towards autumn and winter. |
| ID Characteristic | It is a low ground cover plant with bright yellow variegation mixed in with its green summer colour and purple to brown winter colour. Leaves are noticeably scaled and appear similar to those of a Juniper. The stem tips droop downwards and are tightly knitted together. |
| Shape | Downward sloping stem tips are tightly netted together and its low spreading nature create a thick mat. |
| Landscape | Goldspot is grown as a specimen, accent or ground cover. Although M. decussata ‘Goldspot’ is advertised as a “juniper for shade”, it flourishes in full sun and moist well drained soils. It has no preference for any specific soil type or soil pH. Its habit is low, spreading, and thick and it has good urban tolerance and is very cold hardy. |
| Propagation | Propagation is very successful by semi hardwood stem tip cuttings that are taken in summer, with roots appearing in 1-3 months. |
| Cultivation | Not particular to any specific soil type or pH, M. decussata 'Goldspot' will grow in sand, silt, and clay soils as long as it is well drained but remains moist. Although commonly referred to as a juniper for shade as it will survive in partial shade but requires full sun to flourish. |
| Pests | Although Microbiota decussata ’Goldspot’ is commonly mistaken for a juniper, it is not susceptible to the same pests. This makes it a good alternative to a juniper monoculture. It is also rarely susceptible to root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, a fungal pathogen and is relatively pest free. |
| Notable Specimens | Whistling Gardens, Wilsonville, Ontario,Canada and the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Missouri, United States of America.
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| Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Bark is red-brown in colour, but not ornamentally significant as the branches are slender and covered by leaves. New bark has a yellow tint present that darkens with age. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Buds are inconspicuous and 3-5 mm in size. Increased growth from elevated nutrient levels can cause a decrease in flower bud growth. |
| Leaf Description | Foliage is noticeably scaled, feathery, and flat in appearance. Bright yellow variegation appears year round. Goldspot scales are green in colour in summer, and brown to purple in winter. The scales are imbricated, triangular (almost awl-like), and are 2-4 mm in length. |
| Flower Description | Goldspot’s flowers are inconspicuous and small, yellow in colour and bloom in May. Microbiota decussata ‘Goldspot’ is monoecious, however, both male and female flowers are sterile |
| Fruit Description | Sterile flowers will not produce fruit. |
| Colour Description | The leaves of M. decussata ’Goldspot’ are variegated with brilliant yellow. Flowers are yellow, yet insignificant in spring time. New bark growth is yellowish in colour and darkens to reddish-brown with age. |
| Texture Description | Medium texture consistent throughout the year. |