Woody > Cephalotaxus > Cephalotaxus harringtonia > Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. drupacea

Family

Cephalotaxaceae

Genus

Cephalotaxus

Species

harringtonia

Category

Woody

Variety

drupacea

Synonyms

Formerly listed in the Taxaceae family.

Pronunciation

USDA Hardiness Zone

6-9

Height

4-8 m

Photographs

Description and Growing Information

Flowering Period

Landscape

Possibly some specimen use, but typically used in groups and mass plantings. This plant grows slowly and could be used in smaller areas than indicated by its mature size.

Cultivation

Can be grown in partial shade to full sun. Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Plants show considerable heat and drought tolerance. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr recommends it as a substitute plant for yew in southern gardens. Seems to tolerate pruning and shearing.

Growth

Slow

Pests

None serious.

Habitat

Japan and Korea.

Bark/Stem Description

Gray and exfoliating into strips.

Leaf Description

Spirally arranged foliage held in two planes that form a distinct v-groove on the upper surface of the branch. Leaves are 2-4.5 cm long, with pointed apex and two gray bands beneath. Leaves may be slightly sickle-shaped.

Fruit Description

Seed is oval in shape and 1 to 1¼? long and brown at maturity.

Propagation

Cuttings collected in autumn or spring from the semi-ripe, upward growing wood. Cold stratification outside only produces 33% germination, to reach a 50% germination you would have to plant out in autumn and leave until the following winter period. Many have attempted to germinate in 3 months with a mist system and applying rooting promoters but have found to allow for successful germination you should leave it for 1–2 years. Patience is a virtue when propagating.

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