Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 3303edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 13 Oct 2026methodology → read

Anglojapanese Yew

Taxus x media
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleshrubsedible
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Taxus x media (Anglojapanese Yew) — botanical photograph
Pl. 3303 — Taxus x media
Taxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x mediaTaxus x media
I

Overview

The Anglojapanese Yew, scientifically known as Taxus x media, is a hybrid yew that thrives in diverse environments, making it adaptable for various landscapes. This plant is native to the Cape Provinces and can be found growing in light to full shade conditions, thriving in soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-7 and reaches a height of about 6 meters. The Anglojapanese Yew is notable for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed directly from the plant or used in various preparations. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow well under varying light conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardens or landscapes where space and light are limited. The plant's adaptability extends to its soil preferences, as it thrives in moist to dry conditions. While it can tolerate drought, the Anglojapanese Yew prefers environments with consistent moisture. Its growth is slow, ensuring that it remains manageable over time. For cultivation purposes, this yew can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and is suitable for temperate regions where hardiness zones range from 4 to 7. It's important to handle the Anglojapanese Yew with care due to its potential toxicity; always ensure proper identification before consumption. The fruit of this plant, while edible, should only be consumed after verifying its safety through reliable sources or expert advice.

Quick answers

What is Anglojapanese Yew?

The Anglojapanese Yew, scientifically known as Taxus x media, is a hybrid yew that thrives in diverse environments, making it adaptable for various landscapes.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

The Anglojapanese Yew thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate full shade. It prefers moist soil but is also drought-tolerant, making it adaptable to various moisture levels from dry to moderately wet conditions. The plant grows well in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Hardy in zones 4-7, the Anglojapanese Yew can reach a height of 6 meters and produces edible fruit. For propagation, use seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-7
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Anglojapanese Yew for the first time

7steps

Start with planting an Anglojapanese Yew in a well-prepared spot, and you'll have a low-maintenance evergreen for years.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Anglojapanese Yew plant, garden gloves, a trowel, and some compost.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler and more stable.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and prepare containers with a mix of light, medium, and heavy soils.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants into the garden or a large container, ensuring they have enough space to grow.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress and adjust watering accordingly.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial sun to full shade, depending on the variety. Water when dry and prune lightly in late winter or early spring.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Anglojapanese Yew's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the fruit is consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. However, it's important to handle this plant with care due to its potential toxicity; always ensure proper identification before consumption.
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 1 native
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Taxus x media (Anglojapanese Yew) — botanical photograph
Anglojapanese Yew (Taxus x media)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 3303fd59-566a-4287-aaec-dbb77d39acbb
Decision aid
Choosing between Anglojapanese Yew and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes