Japanese Yew

Taxus cuspidata

Taxaceae · coniferous tree · introduced

Last updated

Data Maturity Structured

This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.

Japanese yew is an evergreen conifer native to Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and parts of China. It reaches 65 ft and has green foliage, red arils, and reddish-brown bark. The plant exhibits an erect, single-crown form with medium-textured needles and yellow flowers.

Japanese yew is hardy in zones 4a-8b and prefers part shade with well-drained soil (pH 5.4-7.8). Growth is slow with low maintenance requirements. It tolerates heavy shade, rabbits, and drought stress, making it adaptable to various landscape conditions. Like other yews, all parts except the arils are poisonous.

Quick Facts

Height
65 ft
Spread
32 ft
Growth Rate
Slow
Light
Part Shade
Soil
Well Drained
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone Zones 4a–8b
Bloom Time
Non-flowering
Origin
Japan, Korea

Phenological Calendar

Stage Typical Window
New growth flush BBCH 11 Feb 15-Mar 15
Bloom start BBCH 61 Apr 1-Apr 30
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 Apr 15-May 15
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 Jun 1-Aug 31
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 Sep 1-Nov 30

Diseases (2)

Pests (5)

Cultivars (5)

'Amersfoort'
Common name: Amersfoort Yew
Hardy to USDA Zone 6
'Capitata Aurea'
Common name: Golden Japanese Yew
Hardy to USDA Zone 4
'Cross Spreading'
Common name: Cross Spreading Japanese Yew; Mature height: 3–4 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 4
'Dwarf Bright Gold'
Common name: Dwarf Bright Gold Japanese Yew; Mature height: 2–4 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 4
'Emerald Spreader'
Common name: Emerald Spreader Japanese Yew; Mature height: 8–10 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 4