shrub

Upright Japanese Yew

Taxus cuspidata 'Capitata'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Japan, Korea, China

Toxicity

Highly toxic. All parts are poisonous if ingested, except for the fleshy red aril surrounding the seed.

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus cuspidata is a dense, needle-leafed evergreen native to Japan and surrounding regions. It is highly valued for its tolerance of shade and shearing, making it a versatile landscape plant. 'Capitata' is a seed-grown form that naturally develops a dense, broadly pyramidal or conical shape with a strong central leader. This makes it excellent for formal hedges, screens, or as a specimen without extensive pruning.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its dense, dark green foliage and formal pyramidal shape provide strong year-round structure and color. It serves as an excellent backdrop for other plants and is a cornerstone of traditional and formal garden design.

Highly valued for creating dense privacy hedges and screens that tolerate heavy shearing. Its shade tolerance makes it one of the few evergreens suitable for foundation plantings on the north side of buildings.

While toxic to most animals, the fleshy red arils are eaten by some bird species, which then disperse the seeds. The dense branches also provide excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds, especially in winter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with well-drained soil; amend heavy clay if necessary.
Dig a hole that is wider than the root ball but just as deep.
Position the plant so its root flare is slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
Water deeply to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil.
Apply mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the stem.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage above all else; yews are highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils. Plant the crown high.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Prune or shear in early summer to maintain desired size and shape.
Plant in a location with protection from harsh winter winds.
Monitor for pests like scale and black vine weevil.

Don't

Never plant in a low spot where water collects.
Do not overwater; yew roots will rot quickly in saturated soil.
Avoid piling mulch against the main stem.
Do not plant where children or pets might ingest the toxic needles or seeds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal evergreen hedge or privacy screenStrong anchor for foundation plantingsArchitectural specimen in shade gardens

Companion Plants

Hosta spp. Heuchera spp. Hydrangea macrophylla Astilbe chinensis Hakonechloa macra

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Upright Japanese Yew questions

What zones can Upright Japanese Yew grow in?

Upright Japanese Yew is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Upright Japanese Yew deer resistant?

Yes — Upright Japanese Yew is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Upright Japanese Yew bloom?

Upright Japanese Yew typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Upright Japanese Yew need full sun?

Upright Japanese Yew does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Upright Japanese Yew drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Upright Japanese Yew handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.