Shrub
Japanese Yew
Taxus cuspidata
Features
Evergreen foliage; red fruit on female plants (foliage and the seed within the fruit are both toxic).
Culture
Full sun to fairly deep shade; well-drained soil is essential.
Cultivars
- 'Capitata' - Pyramidal form, can grow to 40 feet tall.
- 'Densa' - 4 feet tall by 8 feet wide.
- 'Nana' - 10-15 feet tall, twice as wide.
Mature Height
10-40 Feet
(Variable; the species can grow up to 40 feet tall; several cultivars produce a more manageable, shrub-sized plant.)
Size
Small
Medium
Large
Mature Width
0 Feet
(Variable; the species can grow quite large; several cultivars produce a more manageable, shrub-sized plant.)
Mature Form
Varies by cultivar
Native To:
Japan, Korea, Manchuria
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Shade
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Border
Foundation
Hedge
Screen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Insect Damage
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Black vine weevil, mites and root rot are problems. Poorly drained soils can be very damaging to yews, especially newly planted ones.
Additional Notes
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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