Species Japanese yew
lime-green leaves, stems and bright-red fruit

Japanese yew

Taxus cuspidata 'Columnaris'

Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata 'Columnaris') is a popular evergreen shrub or small tree, with an upright, columnar form and slender branches. It grows slowly, reaching a mature height and width of 15-20 feet. The glossy, dark green foliage of this species is the star feature, and its deep red, berry-like cones provide an additional ornamental value during autumn and winter. Japanese yew is a low-maintenance, deer-resistant species that is tolerant of extreme climate conditions and a variety of soils. It's a great choice for a yard or garden as it is compact and can be sheared to maintain its shape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Japanese Yews prefer a moist but well-drained soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not saturated. water the plant deeply once or twice a week in the summer depending on weather conditions; if it rains frequently you may not need to water as often, however in hot and dry conditions it may need to be watered every few days or so. In winter, water less frequently, but be sure not to let the soil completely dry out or become waterlogged.If planted in a container, check the soil moisture level weekly and water as needed.

sunlight

Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata 'Columnaris') is a shrub-like evergreen tree with a narrow, upright form that is perfect for tight spaces. The tree typically does best in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers afternoon shade in especially hot regions to protect it from the intense sun. The Japanese yew requires at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth, and should not be placed in a shady location.

pruning

Japanese yew should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Pruning should be done to improve the structure of the plant and to help maintain a compact growth form. A light pruning of no more than a third of the plant can be done each year. Only dead or diseased branches should be removed. Avoid removing too much of the foliage as this can reduce the vigor and health of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Japanese yew typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map