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Spreading Japanese Plum-Yew Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
sef-ah-loh-TAKS-us har-ring-TOH-nee-ah
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Japanese plum-yew is an evergreen, needled shrub or small tree in the yew family (Taxaceae). The cultivar 'Prostrata' has a low growing spreading mounding habit. Its name is derived from the Greek words kephale and taxus meaning "head" and "yew" respectively, in reference to the hard, round seeds. The specific epithet harringtonia was given in recognition of the Earl of Harrington who became an early adopter and enthusiast of the species in the early 19th century.

This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates dry, sandy, or clay soil. Plant it in full sun if you have cool summers; otherwise, it needs partial shade and tolerates shade better than most other needled evergreens.  Ideal for the southeastern United States, as it tolerates both the summer heat and humidity unlike other yews.

Once established this plant is drought-tolerant and deer resistant. 'Prostrata' grows very slowly to 2 to 6 feet tall and wide.

'Prostrata' works well as a specimen plant, used along a foundation, as a low hedge, planted under the canopy of trees, or mass planted along a border.  Plant it in a woodland setting or in a shade or winter garden. Its fragrant glossy needles provide year-round interest and makes an interesting change in the landscape from the typical junipers.  

Quick ID Hints:

  • Gymnosperm, linear leaves
  • Two white, glaucous bands on underside
  • Juvenile growth has leaves spirally arranged
  • Adult growth has a V-shaped leaf pattern on branch

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.

 

More information on Cephalotaxus harringtonia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#specimen#shade garden#low maintenance#winter interest#year-round interest#deer resistant#foundation planting#showstopper#border planting#understory planting#humidity tolerant#hedge#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#specimen#shade garden#low maintenance#winter interest#year-round interest#deer resistant#foundation planting#showstopper#border planting#understory planting#humidity tolerant#hedge#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cephalotaxus
    Species:
    harringtonia
    Family:
    Taxaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Deer resistant
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    round seed covered by a thin, fleshy coat that matures to red.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Glossy, dark green leaves, new growth in spring is pale lime green; 0.7-1.7 in. distichously arranged needles that resemble those of a yew (Taxus sp.)
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Shade Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Heat
    Humidity
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    All plants in this botanical group are quite poisonous if ingested but are not dangerous to handle. Nervousness, trembling, slow pulse, pupil dilation, difficult breathing, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, convulsions; seizures, sudden death from acute heart failure if eaten in quantity.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloid taxine, Volatile oil
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Bark
    Leaves
    Seeds