Taxus cuspidata

The Japanese yew is a woody evergreen tree or shrub in the yew family (Taxaceae). It is native to Korea, China, Russia, and Japan. This plant was introduced to the United States in 1833. 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. 

Heights of up to 50 feet have been recorded when the Japanese yew is grown in its natural habitat. 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.

Male plants produce small, pollen-producing cones. Female plants produce single-seeded, fleshy cones that develop into naked seeds partially covered by showy red arils. The aril is a fleshy outgrowth of the stalk that bears the seed. The seed+aril resembles a berry. Birds eat the arils and disperse the seeds.

The Japanese yew has an impressive variety of uses in the landscape. 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.

Quick ID

• Shrubs with spirally-arranged, short, green linear leaves with two flat rows of needles

• Female plants with red arils

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Issues with winter burn can occur in locations where the plant is exposed. Root rot can occur when the soil is not properly drained. Twig blight and needle blight can also be a problem. Insects affecting the plant include mealybugs, scale, and weevils. 

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.