Taxus cuspidata Seeds | Japanese Yew
LATIN NAME: Taxus cuspidata
COMMON NAME: Japanese Yew
Plant Profile
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) is an evergreen tree, native to western, central and southern Europe, northwest Africa, northern iran and southwest Asia. Herb slowly grows into a rounded crown, with a mature height of 5-10 metres. Partial or full shade suits it best, with deep, fertile ground. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the Taxus group, Taxus cuspidata contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. The Japanese yew has a real and distinguished place in the research. Contemporary seed practice means a grower can raise it confidently with standard techniques.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Japanese Yew for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Ecologically, the Japanese yew is a generous tree of the garden. Its small, fleshy, red, cup-like fruits are a fine food of birds, and its fine, dense, dark-green foliage gives a fine cover and a shelter to birds through the year. Needles and seeds are highly potent and are never to be eaten or made into any home remedy. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Yews gave oncology paclitaxel, Taxol, from their bark, a landmark anticancer drug; every part of the tree is dangerously toxic except the red aril’s flesh, so yews are magnificent garden conifers to admire, never to sample.
Growing from Seed
Raising Japanese Yew from seed is straightforward. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Japanese Yew is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Fresh seed sown into evenly moist compost is most of the battle won.
Related Reading
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