Taxus cuspidata, Japanese yew
1 / 4
Coniferous Trees

Taxus cuspidata

Japanese yew

Taxaceae

Japan, Korea, northeastern China (Manchuria), Russian Far East; sea level to 5,900 feet (1,800 m)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height10–25 feet (3–7.6 m)
Width10–25 feet (3–7.6 m)
Maturity30 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

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

Taxus cuspidata is identified by flat needles 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) long with abruptly cuspidate tips, dark green above with two white (not yellowish-green) stomatal bands below, arranged in two flat ranks. The white stomatal bands distinguish it from T. baccata, which has yellowish-green bands. Red arils on female plants in autumn; reddish-brown exfoliating bark.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 25'
Width/Spread10' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
red

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
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 plants

Foliage Description

dark green above, white stomatal bands below

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20–40 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

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

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 20 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans