Cephalotaxus harringtonii, commonly known as Harrington’s Plum Yew, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the understory of moist, shaded woodlands and forested areas in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and parts of China. It typically reaches a height of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) with a similar spread, and is characterized by its dark green, needle-like leaves arranged in two ranks along the stems. The plant is dioecious, with male and female cones on separate plants; the female cones resemble small plums, hence the common name. The foliage remains lush and green throughout the year, and the plant does not produce showy flowers.

Harrington’s Plum Yew is valued for its shade tolerance and is often used in shaded garden settings, as a foundation planting, or as a specimen in Asian-themed gardens. It is also appreciated for its resistance to deer browsing. The plant requires well-drained soil, and while it can tolerate full sun, it thrives in part shade to full shade conditions. It is relatively low maintenance, but may require pruning to maintain a desired shape. There are several cultivars available, such as ’Fastigiata’ with an upright form, and ’Prostrata’, which has a spreading habit. Potential problems include root rot in poorly drained soils and infestations of scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0