What hardiness zones is Cephalotaxus harringtonia suitable for?

Cephalotaxus harringtonia is an evergreen coniferous shrub growing 5-10 feet (1.5-3 m) tall and 5-10 feet (1.5-3 m) wide with a spreading habit. Dark green glossy flat linear needles, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) — shorter than C. fortunei (2-3.5 inches / 5-9 cm). Widely cultivated, with multiple cultivar forms: 'Fastigiata' (columnar, upright V-shaped branch arrangement, 5-10 feet / 1.5-3 m tall), 'Prostrata' (low spreading groundcover, 2-3 feet / 60-90 cm tall), and 'Duke Gardens' (compact spreading, 3-4 feet / 90-120 cm). Dioecious: female plants produce olive-shaped fleshy fruit, 1 inch (2.5 cm), ripening from green to purple-brown. The foliage contains cephalotaxine alkaloids that deter deer browsing — in contrast to Taxus, which is heavily browsed. Harringtonine and homoharringtonine, alkaloids derived from Cephalotaxus, are FDA-approved for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. Named after the Earl of Harrington. Native to forest understories of Japan, Korea, and eastern China. Tolerates deep shade, dry shade, and mildly alkaline soil. All parts except fruit pulp contain toxic alkaloids. Slow-growing.

Native Range

Native to forest understories of Japan, Korea, and eastern China.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a shade-tolerant evergreen shrub in positions with deer pressure, spaced 5-10 feet (1.5-3 m) apart. 'Fastigiata' for columnar form; 'Prostrata' for low spreading groundcover at 2-3 feet (60-90 cm); 'Duke Gardens' for compact form at 3-4 feet (90-120 cm). Tolerates dry shade. Containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L). Seed toxic. Hardy in zones 6-9.

How to Identify

C. harringtonia is identified by dark green glossy flat linear needles, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), and olive-shaped fleshy fruit on female plants. Separated from C. fortunei by shorter needles (1-2 inches vs. 2-3.5 inches). Separated from Taxus by plum-like fruit (not red arils) and deer resistance. 'Fastigiata' has a columnar V-shaped branch form.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 10'

Width/Spread5' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~1 weeks

Spring

Spring (April) — inconspicuous. Dioecious. Female plants produce olive-shaped fleshy fruit, 1 inch (2.5 cm), ripening from green to purple-brown in fall. Fruit pulp is edible; seed is toxic.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

dark green, glossy, flat, linear needles 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), in two ranks or spirally arranged depending on cultivar

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade Full Shade

Tolerates up to 3 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Site in partial shade to full shade (0-3 hours direct sun) in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5; tolerates mildly alkaline conditions. Drought-tolerant once established, including in dry shade. Deer-resistant; the foliage contains cephalotaxine alkaloids that deter browsing. All parts except fruit pulp contain toxic alkaloids. Hardy in zones 6-9.

Pruning

Tolerates pruning for shape in early spring (March) or summer (August). 'Fastigiata' maintains its columnar form without pruning. The species can be hedged. Remove dead or damaged branches as they appear. No routine pruning is needed for the natural form.

Pruning Schedule

early springsummer

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans