Japanese Yew

Taxus cuspidata Siebold & Zucc.

Family: TaxaceaeOrigin: Korea, China, Russia and Japan

Cool-Climate Shrub

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

bark, leaves, seeds (the seed sits inside the red aril)

Preparation

not applicable; NC State describes no preparation that makes the bark, leaves or seeds safe

Hazard type

poisoning (ingestion), NC State lists nervousness, trembling, slow pulse, pupil dilation, difficult breathing, seizures (dogs), abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and convulsions; early signs are muscular tremors and difficult breathing; it may be fatal. Cornell says acute death can follow 1 to 3 hours after ingestion, from cardiac arrhythmia. NC State also lists spines.

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is complete as far as our sources go. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to cats, dogs and horses

Cats, dogs and horses: toxic. ASPCA names taxine A and B and a volatile oil, and lists tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures (dogs) and sudden death from acute heart failure. Cornell says the toxins are in all parts of the plant except the aril. NC State rates the plant high severity, with taxine in the bark, leaves and seeds. The seed sits inside the red aril, and NC State names the seed as toxic. The app does not say any part of a yew may be eaten.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Podocarpus (yew pine, Japanese yew pine) and other plants sold with 'yew' in the name. To tell them apart: Check the botanical name: Taxus is the genus ASPCA and NC State treat as toxic. This guide covers Taxus cuspidata only.. A plant sold as 'yew' may not be a Taxus; do not apply this verdict to a different genus, and do not assume a 'yew' label means harmless.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a-7b (NC State). Most of Florida is warmer than this range.
Mature size: NC State lists height 10-25 feet (up to 50 feet in its native habitat) and width 5-10 feet.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon