James H. Schutte
Family
Taxaceae
Botanical Name
TAXUS cuspidata
Plant Common Name
Japanese Yew
General Description
Native to eastern Asia, Japanese yew is an evergreen conifer with dark, flattened, supple needles and fleshy red fruits (on female plants). Its many cultivars vary in size from pyramidal trees to low spreading shrubs. Japanese yew prefers well-drained soil and light shade, and is tolerant of urban conditions. It is often used in screens, sheared hedges, or foundation plantings. Self-sowing and deer damage can be problems.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7
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Sunset Zone
A2, A3, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
3'-50' / 0.9m - 15.2m
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Width
5'-30' / 1.5m - 9.1m
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Native To
Eastern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green, Bronze
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
