Japanese Yew
Taxus cuspidata
The ultimate low-maintenance evergreen that thrives in challenging conditions where other shrubs fail. This adaptable workhorse tolerates deep shade, urban pollution, and heavy pruning, making it ideal for foundation plantings and formal hedges. Its dense, dark green needle foliage provides year-round structure and serves as the perfect backdrop for flowering plants.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to full shade
Zones
4–7
USDA hardiness
Height
10-25 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Japanese Yew in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Japanese Yew · Zones 4–7
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The red arils, in small amounts, are edible. The green seed is toxic.
Color: Red/Burgundy. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Edibility: Bark, leaves, seed pit (red, fleshy surrounding part, called the aril, is OK to eat)
History & Origin
Origin: Korea, China, Russia and Japan
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Dry Soil, Rabbits, Urban Conditions
- +Attracts: Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: Birds are attracted to the fruits.
- +Edible: Bark, leaves, seed pit (red, fleshy surrounding part, called the aril, is OK to eat)
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Leaves, Seeds): High severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Astilbe
Enjoys same acidic soil conditions and adds seasonal color contrast
Rhododendrons
Share similar acidic soil preferences and shade tolerance
Ferns
Complement the evergreen texture and thrive in similar moist, shaded conditions
Heuchera
Provides colorful ground cover in partial shade with similar soil needs
Azaleas
Both are acid-loving shrubs that create layered woodland garden appeal
Camellia
Shares preference for acidic, well-draining soil and partial shade
Mountain Laurel
Compatible evergreen that enjoys similar acidic soil and filtered light
Hostas
Thrive in similar partial shade conditions and complement the evergreen foliage
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including yews
Roses
Require different soil pH and full sun conditions that conflict with yew preferences
Lavender
Requires alkaline, well-draining soil and full sun, opposite of yew needs
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites
Diseases
Root rot in waterlogged soils, twig blight