Japanese YewTaxus cuspidataThe evergreen Taxus cuspidata or Japanese yew, is native to Korea, Japan, and some parts of China and Russia. The dark green, lustrous 1 inch needles are densely packed onto the upright stems.
This is a 40 year old T. cuspidata bonsai in the formal upright style. It is part of the bonsai collection on display in the Japanese Garden at
Heathcote Botanical Gardens
in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Left to grow as nature dictates, the plant will form a vase-shaped shrub 6 feet tall and as wide. It is sometimes called spreading yew for this reason. It can be--and often is--pruned into hedges, topiaries or bonsai forms. Its slow rate of growth makes it ideal for these uses.
Photographic Print Any pruning should be carried out after growth begins in the spring. Japanese yews are tolerant of air pollution and dry soil. They are hardy from zone 4 to 9b. Plant them on well-drained, sandy soil and protect them from wind. They can be bothered by black vine weevils. The adult weevil is black with gold flecked wings. Its larvae feed on the yew's roots and can cause severe dieback to occur. The adults eat notches into the leaf edges. They feed at night so insecticides applied just before dusk will pack the biggest punch. It is important to note that black vine weevils have fused wings and do not fly. They are often carried from place to place on infested plant material or soil. *The foliage and seeds of Taxus cuspidata are deadly poisonous to dogs and a danger to small children as well. Keep them well away from it especially when the berries, which can be particularly attractive to children, appear.
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