Description

The Japanese yew is a woody evergreen tree or shrub in the yew family. It is native to Korea, China, Russia, and Japan. The name derives from the Latin word cuspidatus, meaning “prickly pointed,” which refers to the sharp, pointed tips of the foliage. Grow the Japanese yew in full sun, dappled sunlight, or in partial shade. It requires sandy or loamy, neutral to acidic soil with good drainage. This yew is tolerant of urban conditions and drought. It is also very cold hardy and easy to maintain. It tolerates pruning well and needs regular annual pruning to maintain its shape. Grown as a landscape specimen and pruned regularly, the height typically averages around 25 feet. Plant 6 to 12 feet apart. The needle-like foliage is dark green with a yellow-tinged underside and may turn reddish brown or yellow in the winter. The bark is reddish brown. Small red berries appear in the fall, attracting birds. It is an excellent choice for hedges and privacy screens and can be shaped as topiary. Use it as a specimen or accent plant on your lawn, in a patio, or along a walkway. It also works well in woodland settings. Bark, leaves and seeds are poisonous.