Japanese Yew
Scientific Name: Taxus cuspidata (commonly also includes hybrids such as Taxus × media)
Japanese Yew is a classic evergreen conifer prized for its dense growth, rich dark green needles, and exceptional tolerance for pruning. It forms a naturally elegant, upright-to-spreading habit that can be shaped into formal hedges, foundation plantings, or even small specimen trees.
This versatile landscape plant is valued for its year-round structure and shade tolerance, thriving in areas where many evergreens struggle. Its soft-looking needles and fine texture give it a refined appearance that works well in both traditional and modern garden designs.
Japanese Yew is extremely long-lived and low maintenance once established, making it a dependable choice for privacy screens, borders, and structured landscape designs.
Features
Dense, dark green evergreen foliage
Excellent for hedges, topiary, and foundation planting
Highly shade tolerant compared to many conifers
Long-lived and very adaptable
Responds well to pruning and shaping
Growing Information
Light: Full sun to full shade
Mature Size: 4–20+ feet tall (varies by variety and pruning)
USDA Zones: 4–7
Water Needs: Moderate, prefers well-drained soil
Growth Habit: Evergreen shrub to small tree
