Japanese Plum Yew Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'

Names

• Family

  Cephalotaxaceae.

• Synonyms

  Japanese Plum Yew, Fastigiate Japanese Plum Yew, Upright Japanese Plum Yew, Harrington's Plum Yew.

• Common names

  Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'.

Toxicity

• To 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.

Characteristics

• Life 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

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 Qualities

This 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.

Feng Shui

The Japanese Plum Yew is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The 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.