Japanese Plum Yew
Cephalotaxus harringtonia · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Cephalotaxaceae
Tree Category
Conifer / Ornamental Shrub or Small Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Fastigiata (Columnar Japanese Plum Yew)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.
About This Tree
A slow-growing, multi-stemmed evergreen conifer with a distinctly upright, vase-shaped to columnar habit. Features dense, plush, needle-like foliage that is noticeably longer and glossier than traditional yews.
Leaf Characteristics
Linear, flat, needle-like leaves (spiral arrangement appearing two-ranked), 1.5 to 3 inches long, dark lustrous green above with two pale stomatal bands underneath, soft to the touch.
Bark Characteristics
Thin, reddish-brown to grayish-brown bark that exfoliates in thin strips or flakes as the plant matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China; well-adapted to temperate regions globally.
Growing Season
Evergreen growth cycle maintaining deep green foliage year-round; new bright green flush emerges in spring; best planted in spring or early autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in partial shade to full shade, but tolerates full sun if provided adequate moisture; requires moderate, regular watering during establishment, becoming reasonably drought-tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 3 to 10 feet in height and 3 to 5 feet in spread depending on the cultivar; slow growth rate; long-lived.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional tolerance to shade and deer pressure; highly adaptable to pruning and urban pollution; excellent resistance to heat and humidity compared to true yews (Taxus).
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides dense cover, nesting sites, and shelter for small birds and mammals; fleshy arils are consumed by various bird species.