Japanese Yew

Scientific Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus
Common Names: Podocarpus, Japanese Yew (not a true yew), Buddhist Pine
Native to: Japan and China
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 6-10 feet (can be pruned to maintain smaller size)
Width: 6-10 feet (varies by variety)
Winter Look: Evergreen with dense, dark green, needle-like foliage
Seasonal Interest: Year-round green foliage; occasional small, fleshy, blue-purple fruits on female plants
Drought Tolerance: High once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, limestone, and clay soils
pH Range: 5.0–7.0 (acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7–11
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Attracts: Birds (fruits on female plants)
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans but may cause mild stomach upset if fruits are ingested
Potential Issues: Generally pest and disease-resistant; may develop root rot in poorly drained soils
Notes: Often used as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant due to its adaptability and ease of pruning. Thrives in urban environments and tolerates air pollution.

Scientific Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Pringles Dwarf'
Common Names: Dwarf Pringles Yew, Compact Podocarpus
Native to: Cultivar derived from Podocarpus macrophyllus (native to Japan and China)
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 3–4 feet
Width: 3–4 feet
Winter Look: Evergreen with dense, fine-textured, dark green foliage
Seasonal Interest: Year-round green foliage; compact growth habit adds structural interest
Drought Tolerance: High once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; adapts to sandy, loamy, and clay soils,  tolerates  limestone soil
pH Range: 5.0–7.0 (acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7–11
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Attracts: Minimal wildlife attraction (non-fruiting variety)
Potential Issues: Generally pest and disease-resistant; root rot possible in poorly drained soils

Creeping Japanese Plum Yew

Scientific Name: Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata'

Common Names: Creeping Plum Yew, Spreading Japanese Plum Yew

Native to: Japan, Korea, and China

Lighting Requirements: Partial shade to full shade; tolerates some sun in cooler climates (best in partial shade)

Height: 1-2 feet

Width: 3-4 feet (spreading habit)

Winter Look: Evergreen with soft, dark green, needle-like foliage that maintains its color year-round

Seasonal Interest: Year-round green foliage; low, spreading habit adds texture to landscapes

Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established

Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, limestone, or clay soils

pH Range: 5.0–7.0 (acidic to neutral)

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6–9

Deer Resistance: High

Attracts: Minimal wildlife attraction

Potential Issues: Generally pest and disease-resistant; root rot possible in poorly drained soils