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Taxus cuspidata
Japanese yew
Japan, Korea, northeastern China (Manchuria), Russian Far East; sea level to 5,900 feet (1,800 m)Learn more
Overview
Taxus cuspidata is a slow-growing, long-lived evergreen conifer native to Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and Far East Russia, cultivated for its cold hardiness and adaptability. Plants vary considerably in habit depending on cultivar selection; the species form is a large spreading shrub to small tree reaching 10–25 feet (3–7.6 m) tall and 10–25 feet (3–7.6 m) wide over many decades; growth rate is 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year. The crown becomes wide-spreading and irregular with age. Needles are flat, 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) long, abruptly pointed at the tip (cuspidate), dark green above with two white (not yellowish-green) stomatal bands below, arranged in two flat ranks. The white stomatal band color is the key distinction from T. baccata. Bark is reddish-brown, thin, and scaly, exfoliating in small plates. Female plants produce seeds in red arils ripening in August–October. All parts except the red aril flesh are highly toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. More cold-hardy than T. baccata, surviving to −30°F (−34°C) or lower.
Native Range
Taxus cuspidata is native to Japan, Korea, northeastern China (Manchuria), and the Russian Far East, at elevations from near sea level to 5,900 feet (1,800 m) in mixed and coniferous forests. It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen shrub, formal hedge, foundation planting, and screen in residential landscapes, spaced 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) from adjacent plants. Superior cold hardiness makes this more appropriate than T. baccata in colder Pacific Northwest sites east of the Cascades. Tolerates shade conditions where few other conifers succeed. Do not plant where livestock, horses, or unsupervised pets have access to foliage. All parts except the red aril flesh are toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 25'
Width/Spread10' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Plants are dioecious. Male plants produce small, globose yellow pollen cones in clusters on the undersides of shoots in February–March. Female plants produce seeds enclosed in bright red, fleshy arils 0.3–0.4 inch (8–10 mm) long, ripening in August–October. The red aril flesh is edible; all other parts including the seed inside the aril are highly toxic.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow (male pollen cones); bright red arils on female plantsFoliage Description
dark green above, white stomatal bands belowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate moderate drought. Tolerates a wide range of soils including clay and slightly alkaline substrates; requires good drainage and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. More cold-hardy than T. baccata — survives to approximately −30°F (−34°C). Tolerates deep shade. Responds well to shearing and pruning. All parts except the red aril flesh are highly toxic to humans, pets, and livestock; do not plant where livestock or pets have unsupervised access.Pruning
Tolerates shearing and pruning well, responding similarly to T. baccata. Shear formal hedges in late spring and again in late summer as needed. Can be cut back to old wood and will regenerate. Natural form requires no pruning. Remove dead wood at any time.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummerfall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 20 gallons