Cephalotaxus harringtonia

RHS Plant Profile

Japanese plum yew

Other common names

cow's tail pine, plum yew

Synonyms

Cephalotaxus pedunculata
Cephalotaxus drupacea var. pedunculata

Conifers Shrubs Trees

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A bushy, spreading, large shrub or small tree typically growing up to 5m tall. Needle-like, glossy, flattened dark green leaves are spirally-arranged around erect shoots. Ovoid, fleshy green fruits that ripen to brown and up to 2.5cm long are borne in autumn on female plants

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 20–50 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Taxaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Cephalotaxus are evergreen shrubs or small trees, with 2-ranked, linear leaves resembling yew foliage, and somewhat plum-like, fleshy green fruits; male and female flowers are usually on separate plants
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: China & Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a moist, well drained soil in part shade but will tolerate a wide range of soils and full sun in cool, moist climates. Shelter from cold, dry winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings of terminal shoots

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Low Maintenance
Hedging and screens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free