Japanese Plum Yew Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'
ABOUT
The plant known as the Japanese plum yew 'Fastigiata' is an evergreen conifer with a unique and striking form. It possesses dark green, needle-like leaves that are arranged in a dense, spiraling pattern around its upright branches, giving the foliage a soft, feathery appearance. The leaves themselves are quite slender and can be somewhat glossy, adding a textural appeal to the plant. The Japanese plum yew 'Fastigiata' is often noted for its columnar shape, which means it grows in a narrow, upright manner, making it a valuable plant for vertical accent in landscaping. As the name 'Fastigiata' suggests, the plant's growth habit is fastigiate, which conveys that its branches tend to grow closely, parallel to the central leader. This form creates a rather formal appearance, making it a popular choice for hedges or privacy screens. Additionally, the plant may produce fleshy, plum-like fruits that are a deep, olive-green to purplish color when mature. These fruits are typically produced in small quantities and add an extra layer of interest to the plant, although they are not considered a main ornamental feature. Overall, the Japanese plum yew 'Fastigiata' is admired for its elegant and slender shape, its soft-textured, evergreen foliage, and its versatility in the garden for creating architectural interest without taking up a large footprint. It is a resilient and durable plant that offers year-round visual appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cephalotaxaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Plum Yew, Fastigiate Japanese Plum Yew, Upright Japanese Plum Yew, Harrington's Plum Yew.
Common names
Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese plum yew is considered poisonous to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids that can be toxic. While not commonly consumed due to its bitterness and the fact that it is not typically regarded as an edible plant, accidental ingestion may lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and hypotension. Severe poisoning could result in more serious health issues including respiratory problems, metabolic acidosis, or even death, although such extreme reactions are rare.
To pets
The Japanese plum yew is toxic to pets as well, including both cats and dogs. The plant contains alkaloids which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weakness if ingested. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as trembling, hypotension, respiratory difficulties, and potentially life-threatening conditions. It is important for pet owners to prevent their pets from accessing or consuming any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
5-8 feet [1.5-2.4 meters]
Spread
2-3 feet [0.6-0.9 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The upright yew creates a visual interest due to its columnar shape and adds aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners at all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishing its root system, the upright yew can tolerate periods of drought.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in shady locations where other plants might not thrive.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is less palatable to deer, which can help prevent damage in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Evergreen Foliage: The upright yew maintains its foliage year-round, providing continuous greenery and structure in the landscape.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils.
- Cold Hardiness: The plant is cold hardy and can withstand freezing temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Privacy Screening: Its dense growth habit can be used for creating privacy screens or hedges in landscapes.
- Windbreak: When planted in rows, the upright yew can act as a windbreak, protecting more sensitive plants and reducing wind speed in gardens.
Medical Properties- Antineoplastic - Cephalotaxus harringtonia contains compounds that have shown potential in fighting cancer cells.
- Antifungal - Extracts from the plant have been reported to have antifungal properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Japanese plum yew 'Fastigiata' can serve as a privacy screen due to its dense growth habit, effectively blocking unwanted views and providing a sense of seclusion in a garden space.
- Intricate hedging and topiary forms can be created with the plant, as it responds well to pruning and can be shaped into various formal designs.
- Due to its resistance to deer browsing, the plant is ideal for landscaping in areas with high deer populations where other plants might suffer damage.
- Japanese plum yew 'Fastigiata' is used in bonsai culture, where its fine texture and slow growth can be shaped into miniature tree forms.
- The dense branches provide valuable shelter and nesting sites for small birds, supporting biodiversity in a garden setting.
- Its shade tolerance allows for underplanting opportunities, where garden designers can place shade-loving perennials beneath its canopy.
- The tree's unique texture and columnar shape can be used as a focal point, adding architectural interest within a landscape design.
- Japanese plum yew 'Fastigiata' can be planted in containers for urban and small space gardens, where ground planting is not feasible.
- The wood of Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata' is occasionally used in woodworking or craft projects, though not a common application.
- Its evergreen foliage provides year-round color and texture contrast when paired with deciduous plants, which lose their leaves seasonally.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Plum Yew is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Plum Yew is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the Japanese Plum Yew, is a hardy plant that can withstand various conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and persist through challenges.
- Longevity: With its potential to live for many years, the Japanese Plum Yew symbolizes long life and persistent health.
- Protection: As an evergreen with dense foliage, the Japanese Plum Yew is often used in landscapes for privacy hedges and screens, symbolizing shelter and protection from external forces.
- Peace: The Japanese Plum Yew's presence in gardens and sacred spaces conveys a sense of tranquility and calm, representing peace and serenity.
WaterThe Japanese Plum Yew should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the entire root ball is moistened. In general, water every 7 to 10 days, adjusting for rainfall and temperature, with the goal of providing about 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season for smaller shrubs. Larger, established plants may require up to 2 to 3 gallons every other week. In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
LightThe Japanese Plum Yew performs best in partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate a variety of light conditions but prefers a spot where it is protected from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day is ideal for this evergreen shrub to thrive without getting sunburned.
TemperatureFor the Japanese Plum Yew, the ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 70°F. However, the plant is quite cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. It can also tolerate heat, but it is important to provide extra water during extremely hot periods above 80°F to prevent stress on the plant.
PruningJapanese Plum Yew benefits from pruning to maintain its dense, upright form and to remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Light trimming can be done throughout the year to shape the plant or to maintain its size. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant, so extensive pruning is not often necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese Plum Yew 'Fastigiata' prefers well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. An ideal soil mix can be made by combining equal parts garden soil, peat moss or compost, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular testing and amendments may be needed to maintain the optimal pH level.
RepottingJapanese Plum Yew 'Fastigiata' is a slow-growing plant and does not require frequent repotting. It should be repotted once every 3 to 5 years, or if you notice that growth has become significantly stunted. Spring is the ideal time to repot to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Plum Yew 'Fastigiata' is tolerant of a broad range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity conditions. Maintaining a humidity level of 40-60% will cater to its needs without any specialized humidity adjustment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and away from drafts.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleCephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata', commonly known as Japanese plum yew, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically taking several weeks to a few months to sprout. Once the seedling emerges, it grows slowly, eventually developing into a young plant with long, dark green, needle-like leaves. As it matures, the Japanese plum yew forms a columnar or upright shape, which can take several years, and it becomes more tolerant to drought and shade. It reaches reproductive maturity after several years, producing inconspicuous male cones and larger, more noticeable female seed-bearing structures called arils. After pollination, typically by wind, the arils mature over a period of one to two years before the seeds are dispersed. The Japanese plum yew can live for many decades, continuing to grow in height and spread, and may require occasional pruning to maintain its architectural form.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Japanese Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata') can be effectively propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is carried out during summer, when new growth has matured slightly and the stems are partially firm. Cuttings of about 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) are snipped just below a node, and the lower needles are removed. The base of the cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. It is important to plant the treated cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and ensure that they are kept warm and moist. A greenhouse or propagation frame can provide an ideal environment. The cuttings generally root within a few months, after which they can gradually be acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final location.
