Japanese yew
Taxus cuspidata
Family: Taxaceae
What it is like
A small evergreen tree. It grows 15 m high and spreads 6 m wide. The leaves are like needles and are single and keeled. They are sickle shaped. They tend to radiate out from the twigs. They are pale green above and have 2 yellowish-green bands underneath. The bud scales are triangle shaped. The pollen cones are small and in amongst the leaves. The fruit are small red berries.
There are about 6 Taxus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. They are hardy. It will grow in most alkaline soils. It needs an open, sunny position. It is resistant to drought. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. Hobart Botanical gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Georgia, Indochina, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Laos, North America, SE Asia, Slovenia, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
CAUTION: The seeds are poisonous and tea from the leaves is poisonous. The sweet aril or ripe fruit pulp is eaten raw or made into jam or brewed into wine.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Hwasolnamu, Japonska tisa