February 2009
Cephalotaxus harringtonia (Japanese Plum Yew)
Who wonders about a yew with really long needles is probably facing a Cephalotaxus. These are shrubs or small trees up to 5 m high, in the Netherlands usually not reaching more than 3 m. It has evergreen needles, usually standing out like a feather.
The needles of the erect cultivar 'Fastigiata' stand out in all directions. Female trees bear small plumlike fruits of which the fruit flesh is the only non-toxic part of the plant. Cephalotaxus preferably grows in a moist, cool, slightly shadowed place. 
The plant tolerates pruning well and shows an excellent winter hardiness. Propagation is possible by means of seed or summer cuttings, for which only top cuttings should be used. Cuttings of side branches yield crooked plants.
Interested in the crop of the month January?