Chinese Yew Tree (Taxus Chinensis) – 3 Gallon Pot

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5b-7b (8a in shade?)  Find Your Zone

Plant Type:  Evergreen Tree

Flower Color:  NA

Flower Size:  NA

Flowering Period:  NA

Flower Type:  NA

Fragrant Flowers:  No

Foliage Color:  Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage:  No

Berries:  Yes

Berry Color: Red to Burgundy

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Attracts:  Visual Attention

Resistances:  Cold Temperatures (-10F / Zones 5b-7b), Deer, Disease, Drought (Moderate when established), Insect

 Discovered by Scotsman, Augustine Henry in China around 1885, the Chinese Yew is a very unique and interesting looking evergreen for your landscape. It can be grown as a large shrub or lower branches can be removed to for a small tree. The form and texture somewhat resembles a Canadian hemlock but grows to only 10 to 15 feet tall or so. As with other yews, its narrow dark green needles are arranged in two ranks along green twigs, somewhat resembling a fern. The fruits of the Chinese Yew are most distinctive; a fleshy red berry about the size of a pea and is open on one end to reveal a single, hard seed inside. The thin bark is also attractive, exfoliating in strips or flakes, ranging in color from reddish to purple-brown to gray. Because it has such an interesting look we suggest using it as a specimen to stand on its own, though it can also be used in a grouping or a hedge in sunny to partially shaded locations. Sure to be a conversation piece in the landscape!

Exceptionally easy to grow and with no insect or disease problems, the Chinese Yew prefers a moist but well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. We suggest at least 2 hours of direct sunlight per day, or all day filtered sun. It has moderate drought tolerance when established. It does not require pruning however responds well to it for shaping purposes. The best time to prune is in early spring before the first flush of new growth. To maintain the tree form remove any growth that emerges along the trunk. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8.