Mortellaro's Nursery
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Yew, Japanese
Podocarpus macrophyllus
Podocarpus macrophyllus, commonly called Japanese Yew, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Asia and widely used in southern landscapes for its clean, refined appearance. It is not a true yew, but it fills a similar role with narrow, dark green leaves that give it a soft, almost pine-like texture without being coarse. In warmer parts of Texas, it is valued as a long-lived structural plant that brings a more formal look to the landscape.
In Central and South Texas, Podocarpus performs best in protected locations with well-drained soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils but can tolerate mildly alkaline conditions if drainage is good. Poor drainage or consistently wet soils will lead to decline. It grows best in part sun to part shade, especially with protection from harsh afternoon sun, though it can handle full sun in more sheltered locations. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance but looks best with regular deep watering.
Podocarpus macrophyllus contains toxic compounds in its foliage and seeds if ingested, particularly affecting pets and livestock. While it is not typically problematic in managed landscapes, it should be used with caution in areas where animals may browse. It is considered deer tolerant, as deer generally avoid feeding on it.
This plant is most commonly used as a tall hedge, privacy screen, or vertical accent, and it responds very well to pruning and shearing. It can be maintained as a narrow column, dense hedge, or allowed to grow more naturally into a small tree form. Mature size in Texas landscapes typically ranges from 15–25 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide, depending on pruning and growing conditions. Spacing for hedges is usually 4–6 feet apart for a dense screen.
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Screen |
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Topiary |
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Privacy Hedge |
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Height:15-25 Feet |
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Spread:6-10 Feet |
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Spacing:4-6 feet |
Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips for Podocarpus macrophyllus
Leaves will turn an unattractive shade of yellow if grown in highly alkaline soils; high nitrogen based fertilizer is recommended.
Interesting Notes
Foliage and parts of the berries are fatally toxic.
USDA Hardiness Zone 7b
Available Sizes:
| Item | Description | |
| YEW-JAP-05 | #005 YEW, JAPANESE |
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| YEW-JAP-15 | #015 YEW, JAPANESE |
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| YEW-JAP-24B | 24BOX YEW, JAPANESE |
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| YEW-JAP-30 | #030 YEW, JAPANESE |
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| YEW-JAP-01 | #001 YEW, JAPANESE |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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Toxic to Pets
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