Cephalotaxus H. ‘Drupacea’ 3Gal

Latin Name: Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. drupacea (‘Drupacea’)

Common Name: Japanese Plum Yew / Spreading Japanese Plum Yew / Cow’s Tail Pine

Zones: 6-9 (some sources list 5b-8)

Height & Spread: 4-5 feet tall (taller with age, up to 10 feet), spreading 4-10 feet wide

Descriptive Features: A slow-growing, broad, vase-shaped to spreading evergreen conifer that resembles a yew but with longer, softer, glossy dark green needles arranged in a V pattern along arching stems and a more open, relaxed look. Needles keep their deep green color through winter, lending a fine, delicate texture to the landscape. It is much more heat-tolerant than true yews (Taxus), tolerates shade better than almost any needled evergreen, and is notably resistant to deer browse, making it a standout substitute for common yew. Plants are dioecious, and females can bear fleshy, plum-like fruits. Thrives in full sun to full shade, preferring part to full shade in hot summers, in moist, well-drained soil, and tolerates some drought once established. Can be sheared annually to shape, best pruned in late winter after extreme cold has passed. Needs a spot sheltered from harsh winter winds at the cold end of its range. Low-maintenance, insect- and disease-resistant, and long-lived. An excellent choice for shady foundation plantings, natural hedges, screens, accents, and underplanting in part to full shade.