Japanese Yew
Taxus cuspidata
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Pl. 54BF — Taxus cuspidata
Taxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidataTaxus cuspidata
IOverview
Overview
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) is a tree native to China North-Central, Japan, Korea, the Kuril Islands, Manchuria, Primorye, and Sakhalin. It thrives in various habitats including dry and moist conditions, with a preference for light sandy, medium, or clay soils within a pH range of 5.3–7.8. This evergreen can grow up to 10 meters tall and is adaptable to full sun, partial shade, and full shade environments. While primarily known as an ornamental plant due to its attractive form, Japanese Yew also has edible fruit that are safe for human consumption. Its light requirement and soil adaptability make it a versatile choice for gardens in hardiness zones 4-7.
Quick answers
What is Japanese Yew?
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) is a tree native to China North-Central, Japan, Korea, the Kuril Islands, Manchuria, Primorye, and Sakhalin. It thrives in various habitats including dry and moist conditions, with a preference for light sandy, medium, or clay soils within a pH range of 5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Japanese Yew thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist but well-drained soils of medium texture, though it can tolerate light sandy or heavy clay conditions. It is hardy in zones 4-7, making it suitable for temperate regions. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. For propagation, use seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings. The fruit is edible but ensure it is properly prepared as all parts of the yew contain toxic compounds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-7
Habit
Tree
Mature size
10.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.3–7.8
For first-time growers
How to grow Japanese Yew for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Japanese Yew tree to learn basic gardening skills.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Japanese Yew sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or planting site.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the ground is workable or late fall before the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil has a pH between 5.3-7.8, which can be tested with a kit. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the ground or a large container filled with well-draining soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun/shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly to shape the tree or remove dead branches as needed. Harvest fruit for culinary use only if you have experience with yew fruits.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, using incorrect soil pH, and not providing enough shade are common issues beginners face.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Japanese Yew is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, it is consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:DyeLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native· 2 introduced
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Sakhalin, Primorye, Kuril Is.
introduced:Vermont, New York
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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