Japanese Yew
Taxus cuspidata · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood, Shrub or Small Tree
Plant Family
Taxaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen, Ornamental, Hedge, Foundation Shrub
Variety / Cultivar
'Nana' (Dwarf Japanese Yew)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, tolerating winter cold well and adapting to varied temperate climates.
About This Tree
A dense, slow-growing evergreen conifer typically maintained as a compact, rounded, or spreading shrub. It features a dense, multi-stemmed branching habit with dark green, needle-like foliage that responds exceptionally well to heavy pruning and shearing.
Leaf Characteristics
Linear, flat, needle-like leaves arranged spirally on twigs but twisted to appear two-ranked. They are dark glossy green above with pale yellow-green undersides, measuring about 0.5 to 1 inch long with a sharp-pointed tip.
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown to purplish-brown bark that exfoliates in thin, scaly strips or flakes as the plant matures, revealing lighter inner bark layers on older stems.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China; widely adapted and cultivated in temperate regions globally.
Growing Season
Evergreen with year-round foliage; slow spring flush of bright green new growth, inconspicuous flowers in early spring, and fleshy red arils in autumn; dormant through winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to full shade. Requires moderate watering during establishment but becomes moderately drought-tolerant once established. Prefers well-drained soils and strongly dislikes standing water.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 3 to 4 feet in height and 4 to 6 feet in spread when grown as the dwarf cultivar, though unpruned species can reach much larger proportions slowly; long-lived with a slow growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional tolerance to severe pruning and shaping, making it a staple for hedges and topiary. Highly resistant to urban pollution, though all parts of the plant except the fleshy aril are highly toxic if ingested.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides dense nesting cover and protection for small birds and mammals. The red, fleshy arils enclosing the seeds are consumed by various songbirds, which help disperse the seeds.