Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata' (Upright Plum Yew)

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata' is an upright cultivar of Japanese plum yew, a large shrub or small tree originally native to Japan and eastern Asia. Fairly slow-growing, but easy to maintain as an evergreen hedge or specimen planting, Japanese plum yews are in the Yew family, and tolerate a variety of conditions with beautiful, glossy green needles. Upright plum yew will typically reach a mature height of about 8-10' tall with a spread of only 3-5' wide, making it a lovely option for privacy screens and green walls in shady locations.

Tolerant of heavy shade, heat, and drought, upright plum yew tolerates pretty hot summers when in shade, but will also do well in full sun with cooler summers. Though many members of the yew family are toxic to mammals like deer and rabbits, harsh conditions will cause some mammals to eat or do damage to these shrubs as the needles are not very sharp (though this same feature adds to the 'Fastigiata' cultivar's appeal as a living wall just off patios and porches).

Note: Yew species produce fruits with juicy, pink flesh called an aril, which encloses a seed that is toxic to many mammals. Care should be taken when choosing a planting location, especially in areas where pets or small children can eat them.