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Captain Upright Yew

Taxus cuspidata 'Fastigiata'

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Captain Upright Yew (Taxus cuspidata 'Fastigiata') at Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist

Captain Upright Yew

Captain Upright Yew

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  12 feet

Spread:  6 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4a

Description:

An excellent hedge or topiary evergreen with emerald green new growth in spring that contrasts well against the dark green needles, upright habit of growth is slower and more restrained than the popular Capitata; takes pruning very well, tolerates shade

Ornamental Features

Captain Upright Yew is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has dark green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The ferny sprays of foliage remain dark green throughout the winter. The fruits are showy red drupes displayed from early to late fall. The peeling brown bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Captain Upright Yew is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Captain Upright Yew is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Hedges/Screening
  • General Garden Use
  • Topiary

Planting & Growing

Captain Upright Yew will grow to be about 12 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This shrub performs well in both full sun and full shade. However, you may want to keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Screening  Garden  Topiary 
Applications
Fruit  Plant Form  Bark  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features