Plum Yew
(Cephalotaxus harringtonia)
Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia)
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Jacy Chen
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jacy Chen
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jacy Chen | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 | Uploader: Loopy30 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Cephalotaxus_harringtonia_ssp._wilsoniana.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Merrifield Garden Center, Merrifield VA USA. Names: Cephalotaxus harringtonia (Knight ex J. Forbes) K.}} |Source... |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cephalotaxus harringtonia, commonly known as Plum Yew, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the understory of forests in Japan and Korea. It typically grows 5-10 feet tall and wide, with a slow growth rate and a dense, conical to rounded form. The Plum Yew is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. Male plants bear pale cream, globular flowers that turn brown over time, blooming from March to May. Female plants produce obovoid, pale green fruit with dark green stripes that mature to a brown color, each measuring about 2.5 cm in length and 1.5 cm in width.
The Plum Yew is valued for its tolerance of shade and its attractive, dark green, needle-like foliage, which makes it a popular choice for foundation plantings, hedges, and as a specimen in shaded garden areas. It is also used in Asian gardens and is suitable for urban environments due to its resistance to pollution. This species prefers well-drained, rich soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade, though it thrives best in partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it requires minimal watering once established and should be protected from strong winds. There are no significant disease or pest issues, but it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Plum Yew is valued for its tolerance of shade and its attractive, dark green, needle-like foliage, which makes it a popular choice for foundation plantings, hedges, and as a specimen in shaded garden areas. It is also used in Asian gardens and is suitable for urban environments due to its resistance to pollution. This species prefers well-drained, rich soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade, though it thrives best in partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it requires minimal watering once established and should be protected from strong winds. There are no significant disease or pest issues, but it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 5-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Understory of forests in Japan, Korea, and parts of China
Other Names
Common Names: Harrington’s Cephalotaxus, Harrington’s Plum-Yew, Japanese Plum-Yew, 개비자나무
Scientific Names: , Cephalotaxus harringtonia, Taxus harringtonia, Cephalotaxus buergeri, Nageia koraiana, Podocarpus koraianus, Taxus coriacea, Taxus inukaja,
GBIF Accepted Name: Cephalotaxus harringtonia (Knight ex J.Forbes) K.Koch