Japanese Yew

Although its name may sound exotic, the Japanese yew (also known as spreading yew) can be found in parks and neighborhoods across the Western world. With its dense foliage, Japanese yew makes for an excellent accent plant and is ideal for creating hedgerows.

Unlike most conifers that shy away from shade, Japanese yews are a notable exception. These popular evergreen shrubs flourish in both partial shade and full sun, offering a splash of color to otherwise dull shaded gardens, from fall to early spring.

What is a Japanese Yew?

In its natural form, the Japanese yew (taxus cuspidata) is a tall tree that can grow up to 50 feet in height [source: Britannica]. However, this species is rarely cultivated nowadays, as it has been replaced by various dense, slow-growing varieties that can range from globular to pyramidal, vase-shaped, or spreading, depending on the selection.

Although labeled as dwarf plants, most of these yews can eventually reach over 20 feet in height. The dark green needles have rounded tips and are softer compared to most other conifers. Female plants produce bright red berries.

The Japanese yew is commonly used as a foundation plant, particularly on the northern or eastern sides of homes. It serves as a great choice for formal or natural hedges, and there are many dwarf varieties in various shapes, sizes, and colors that are popular for use in rock gardens.

Growing Japanese Yew Plants

There are several methods to introduce a Japanese yew into an outdoor space. Professionals typically propagate Japanese yew by taking cuttings from established plants, or occasionally using seeds. For homeowners and hobby gardeners, buying a young tree from a garden center is a common way to add it to their garden [source: Van Zile].

For optimal results, it's important to evaluate the landscape before planting. Yews are quite adaptable, thriving in moderate to even deep shade as long as they receive some sunlight in spring. In areas with dense shade, however, more aggressive pruning may be necessary to encourage fuller growth and reduce open gaps.

Yews require fertile, well-drained soil and plenty of moisture. If the soil is poorly drained, it may lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Additionally, they don't tolerate competition from shallow-rooted trees, so it's important to plant Japanese yew away from any other plants that might compete for resources.

Are Japanese Yew Berries Edible?

You might not expect a widely used plant like the Japanese yew to be toxic, but in reality, it is considered one of "the most poisonous woody plants in the world," [source: Ray]. Almost every part of the yew plant contains dangerous levels of taxine alkaloids, making it highly poisonous.

The only non-poisonous part of the yew plant is the red fleshy covering of the berries. However, don't be tempted to eat a handful of them just yet. While the fleshy part of the berries is considered safe, the seeds inside are extremely toxic, so they should always be handled with caution.

So, is the Japanese yew poisonous? The answer is a definite yes.

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