It has spiny, dark-green 1-inch needles tinged yellow on the underside and scaly, red-brown bark.

In the fall, it produces red, fleshy berries called arils formed from miniature round, tan-colored cones.

Its foliage can turn yellow or reddish-brown in winter.

Japanese yew grows best in well-drained, moist-but-not-soggy soil, preferring sandy loam.

The plant tolerates various sunlight levels, from two to six hours of full sun, and isdrought-tolerantonce established.

The bark, leaves, and seeds in the berries are toxic to humans and animals.

Japanese Yew Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a Japanese yew.

Note that in many areas of the American northeast, it is considered aninvasive species.

Light

Japanese yew tolerates various sunlight conditions, from full shade to full sun.

Ittolerates shadequite well for a needled evergreen.

This tolerance is how it is cultivated so far from its natural habitat.

Soil

The Japanese yew grows best in well-drained soil with medium moisture and prefers sandy loam.

It has adapted to soils with a pH range of 5.3 to 7.8.

Water

The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet.

Once established, it develops resistance to short periods of drought.

Temperature and Humidity

Japanese yew is hardy tozone 4and is generally found in zones 4 through 7.

Fertilizer

Japanese yew does not need regular feeding.

Types of Japanese Yew

Taxus cuspidatais a popular landscape plant for foundation planting orhedges.

Pruning

Japanese yew likes to spread, but many landscapers prune its crown much narrower.

Japanese yew responds well to pruning.

It can be pruned into a flat-topped hedge, a pyramidal tree, or broad or narrow topiaries.

Though it tolerates pruning at any time, it is advisable to prune in early spring.

When browning leaves occur, use sterilized pruners or shears to prune them away to encourage new growth.

Propagating Japanese Yew

The best way to propagate yew is through cuttings.

It is not recommended to propagate from seed since it can take several years to germinate.

Also, cuttings result in plants that reliably look like the parent plant.

However, being confined by a container slows their growth rate.

They prefer a clay or terra-cotta pot with good drainage.

The pores also wick away water faster, preventing a plant’s soil from getting too soggy.

This condition can cause severe needle loss.

A simple pesticide should take care of any problems.

The Japanese yew has no significant disease problems but can experience root rot in poorly drained soil.

Its flowers are hardly noticeable, produced from fleshy, miniature cones.

Bloom Months

Japanese yew blooms small flowering male and female parts in fall.

What Do Japanese Yew Flowers Look and Smell Like?

The Japanese yew isdioecious, which means it grows separate male and female flowers on the same plant.

The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and scentless.

The male parts resemble little, round, tan-colored cones that grow on the leaves undersides and release pollen.

Japanese yew is more notable for its small, red berry bunches or the fertilized female parts.

Each fruit contains a single seed that is toxic to people and animals.This fruit is ornamental and attractive.

A plant professional can relocate your Japanese yew and find a spot to help it thrive in your yard.

Many gardeners like to use this plant as a decorative hedge.

Some ambitious landscape gardeners even grow it in topiaries.

It also can be used as a shade tree and grows well in urban environments.

Japanese yew likes moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought or overwatering.

Too much water can drown the plant, so do not leave it in standing water.

Winter frost and winds can damage yews, usually browning foliage.

However, brown leaves can also occur due to bright sunshine and inadequate water.

North Carolina State Extension.

United States Department of Agriculture.