Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata)

Also known as: Japanese Yew, Spreading Yew

The Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) is a tree species indigenous to Japan, Korea, and China. It comes in various sizes and produces bright red berries alongside vibrant green leaves, making it a favored choice for holiday decorations. However, this plant is toxic to humans. Birds like waxwings, thrushes, and cardinals often use it for shelter.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Japanese yew

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

10 m to 18 m

Spread

4.5 m to 8 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Gold

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green Cream Brown

Images of Japanese yew

Quickly Identify Japanese yew

Dark green needle-like leaves, spirally arranged, with sharp points.

Multistemmed stem, brownish-gray, rough texture, branching from the base.

Distinctive red aril on fruit encasing green toxic seed.

Robust trunk with scaly reddish-brown bark peeling in irregular pieces.

Versatile plant appearing in tree or shrub form, reaching up to 50 feet (15 meters).

Scientific Classification of Japanese yew

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Conifers

Order

Pines and allies

Family

Yew

Genus

Yews

Species

Japanese yew

Planting and Growing of Japanese yew

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7.2

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Japanese yew?

When watering Taxus cuspidata, aim to deeply saturate the soil but not to the point of sogginess. Ensure excess water can drain away to prevent root rot. You should thoroughly drench the plant with about 500ml to reach the deeper roots, promoting healthy growth without waterlogging the soil.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Japanese yew?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours daily

Taxus cuspidata benefits from partial sun to full shade settings. These conditions support balanced growth, maintaining its natural form and leaf color while preventing stress-related issues.

Optimal Lighting Amount ›

Solution for Ideal Light ›

Benefits of Ideal Lighting ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Japanese yew?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Taxus cuspidata is between 60°F to 75°F. Within these temperatures, the plant experiences optimal growth and development, exhibiting lush foliage and robust health. These conditions mimic the plant’s natural habitat where moderate temperatures are prevalent, ensuring steady photosynthesis and metabolic rates.

What Soil is Best for Japanese yew?

Soil type: Loam, Clay soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7.2

Taxus cuspidata thrives in soil that provides good drainage. This ensures that the roots do not become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Well-draining soil can significantly enhance the plant's health by preventing the accumulation of excess moisture around the roots. Rich soil packed with organic matter supports the robust growth of Taxus cuspidata. Nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are critical for maintaining vibrant foliage and overall plant health. Enriching the soil with compost is beneficial for long-term plant vitality. While good drainage is critical, the soil should also have the ability to retain some moisture to support the plant during dry periods. This balance is crucial in ensuring that the roots remain hydrated but never oversaturated. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Japanese yew?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Taxus cuspidata, application rates should be modest due to its sensitivity to excessive nutrients. An ideal amount is a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer, using 10-10-10 or a similarly balanced formula. Over-application can lead to nutrient burn, so aim for around 50% of the recommended dose for liquid fertilizers and apply with care.

How to Prune Japanese yew?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by cutting away any dead or damaged branches, making clean cuts close to the main stem. This keeps the plant healthy and encourages new growth. Prune overly dense or crowded areas to improve air circulation. This practice reduces the risk of disease and helps sunlight reach the inner sections of the plant. Use shears to shape the plant, aiming for a natural look. Avoid cutting too deeply into the old wood, as yews may not regenerate from old, hard growth. After pruning, collect all the cut branches and leaves to discard properly. This prevents any potential pests or diseases from lingering around the plant.

How to Propagate Japanese yew plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late spring,Early spring

Choose a healthy, disease-free parent plant for propagation, as the overall health of the parent will greatly influence the success rate of the new plants.

Prepare a well-draining substrate, ideally a mix of peat and sand or perlite, to provide the necessary aeration and moisture for root development.

Place seeds on the substrate's surface and lightly cover them, or insert cuttings gently into the substrate. Ensure proper spacing to prevent overcrowding.

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How to Repot Japanese yew plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 3-4 years

Taxus cuspidata, commonly known as the Japanese Yew, needs repotting when you observe signs such as roots growing out of the drainage holes, slowed growth, or when the soil compacts significantly. These signs indicate that the plant has outgrown its current pot and needs more space to continue thriving.

Choosing the right pot for your Japanese Yew is essential for its health and growth. Opt for a pot that is only slightly larger than the existing one to prevent waterlogging. Ensure it has good drainage holes; this encourages healthy root development by preventing excess moisture buildup, which could lead to root rot.

Use a well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix to replicate the plant's natural environment. This type of soil will allow water to flow efficiently and prevent it from becoming soggy. A well-aerated mix is also essential, as it helps avoid root compaction and allows roots to breathe, promoting vigorous growth.

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Toxicity of Japanese yew

Is Japanese yew toxic to humans?

The Japanese yew is regarded as one of the most toxic trees found in nature. Nearly every portion of this tree, except for the fleshy pulp of the berries, contains harmful alkaloids known as taxine. These dangerous compounds are especially abundant during the winter months and retain their toxicity even after the tree has died. Taxine can be absorbed through the skin, which underscores the importance of wearing gloves while dealing with this tree to avoid any exposure to its sap. In addition to causing severe gastrointestinal distress, taxines can lead to a slow and/or irregular heartbeat, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tremors, and significant cardiac and respiratory complications. Ultimately, blood pressure can plummet to life-threatening levels, potentially leading to respiratory or heart failure.

Is Japanese yew toxic to cat?

Japanese yew is extremely poisonous to felines and can present significant health hazards. Cats can be poisoned by consuming any portion of the plant since every part is toxic. Upon exposure, cats may show signs of physical distress, which can be severe owing to the plant's high toxicity. Cat owners need to be cautious and restrict access to Japanese yew, as even a tiny amount can be perilous. If there is a suspicion that a cat has ingested Japanese yew, prompt veterinary care is essential to address the poisoning and ensure the best possibility for recovery.

Is Japanese yew toxic to dog?

The Japanese yew is an extremely poisonous plant for dogs, representing significant health hazards. Any part of the Japanese yew can be harmful if ingested by dogs, as all components of the plant contain toxins. Even minimal consumption can trigger severe adverse effects. Therefore, dog owners must remain alert and restrict their pets from areas where Japanese yew is present. Signs of poisoning may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, muscle tremors, seizures, or potentially heart failure. Dog owners must act quickly and seek prompt veterinary assistance if they believe their dog has consumed Japanese yew. Timely intervention is essential for maximizing the likelihood of a successful recovery.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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