Salute Japanese yew (Taxus) as a worthy addition to the water smart landscape! ‘Capitata’ translated means “Captain" The dictitionary defines captain as “a figure in the forefront; a leader”. This is a perfect definition for this classic landscape standard that is once again being called to serve on the front lines in our battle for wise water use.
The Captain is both duty and conservation oriented. He prefers no more water than average water and once established, he can survive on extended periods of water rationing if necessary.
He has endured grooming torture to the max. He has been taken well beyond the “High and Tight” military standard for hair cuts to extreme makeovers including fanciful topiary’s strictest manicure regime. However, the truth is he craves the opportunity to "grow out on a limb" and show off his personal best which includes his soft but natural good looks.
The Captain is a yew that can stretch tall, well beyond the confined box space or ball shape he is usually allotted. His branches have a natural arch to them, giving him an overall gentle layered appearance. He grows Chritmas tree- like when he is young with a broad base that gradually tapers toward the top. He usually has a single main trunck. Left on his own, he naturally spreads and rounds out. His potential height could easily exceed 20’. This offers an opportunity to really see his handsome bark that lies beneath his green exterior.
Once he reaches a mature size (optimization at its best) consider the impact of removing some of his lower branches to create a living shade structure. Depending on location, and placement, this could create a great evergreen umbrella that cast an amazingly uniform and cooling shade!
Although not native to USA, this yew has proven himself to be a good American Ally. He is noninvasive, energy conscious if not over pruned and very native plant community compatible. He is also habitat friendly. His fleshy red fruits are tasty to song birds but toxic to humans and livestock. He is also frequently listed as "deer resistant." The evergreen foliage provides protection and shelter and can be a valuable part of a habitat corridor for wildlife.
He does tolerate shade and is frequently the preferred choice for an evergreen for shady conditions. In his native setting he prefers quick draining sandy loams. He has no tolerance for soggy soils. This can be fatal!
He likes the city life / urban conditions where soil fertility is average, pH fairly neutral and there is wind break protection from drying winter winds.
Care Factor Rating: 2 Japanese Yew ‘Capitata’ (Taxus cuspidata ‘Capitata’) must be watered regularly but not excessively till established. It is considered best to plant him in the fall or late spring.
Minimize any pruning till he is well established. Envision the natural plant shape. Selectively cut back only out-of-place branches and random shoots. Cut at the branch node with hand pruners. This will help preserve the natural outline. Do not cut all branches back to the same length or the natural shape of the plant will be lost. Damaged or dead branch can be removed any time of the year.
If hedge pruning is done, minimize scorch by pruning after the new growth turns mature green (this is usually early June in Missouri.) If done too late the newly exposed foliage tends to get sun scorched.
This very hardy shade tolerant yew does not have any really serious insect or disease problems. He is great looking whether in the sun or the shade. However, if planted in unprotected sites there is a potential for winter sun burn or wind burn if he is overly exposed. Root rot will occur if a yew is planted in poorly-drained soils.
The Captain is both duty and conservation oriented. He prefers no more water than average water and once established, he can survive on extended periods of water rationing if necessary.
He has endured grooming torture to the max. He has been taken well beyond the “High and Tight” military standard for hair cuts to extreme makeovers including fanciful topiary’s strictest manicure regime. However, the truth is he craves the opportunity to "grow out on a limb" and show off his personal best which includes his soft but natural good looks.
The Captain is a yew that can stretch tall, well beyond the confined box space or ball shape he is usually allotted. His branches have a natural arch to them, giving him an overall gentle layered appearance. He grows Chritmas tree- like when he is young with a broad base that gradually tapers toward the top. He usually has a single main trunck. Left on his own, he naturally spreads and rounds out. His potential height could easily exceed 20’. This offers an opportunity to really see his handsome bark that lies beneath his green exterior.
Once he reaches a mature size (optimization at its best) consider the impact of removing some of his lower branches to create a living shade structure. Depending on location, and placement, this could create a great evergreen umbrella that cast an amazingly uniform and cooling shade!
Although not native to USA, this yew has proven himself to be a good American Ally. He is noninvasive, energy conscious if not over pruned and very native plant community compatible. He is also habitat friendly. His fleshy red fruits are tasty to song birds but toxic to humans and livestock. He is also frequently listed as "deer resistant." The evergreen foliage provides protection and shelter and can be a valuable part of a habitat corridor for wildlife.
He does tolerate shade and is frequently the preferred choice for an evergreen for shady conditions. In his native setting he prefers quick draining sandy loams. He has no tolerance for soggy soils. This can be fatal!
He likes the city life / urban conditions where soil fertility is average, pH fairly neutral and there is wind break protection from drying winter winds.
Care Factor Rating: 2 Japanese Yew ‘Capitata’ (Taxus cuspidata ‘Capitata’) must be watered regularly but not excessively till established. It is considered best to plant him in the fall or late spring.
Minimize any pruning till he is well established. Envision the natural plant shape. Selectively cut back only out-of-place branches and random shoots. Cut at the branch node with hand pruners. This will help preserve the natural outline. Do not cut all branches back to the same length or the natural shape of the plant will be lost. Damaged or dead branch can be removed any time of the year.
If hedge pruning is done, minimize scorch by pruning after the new growth turns mature green (this is usually early June in Missouri.) If done too late the newly exposed foliage tends to get sun scorched.
This very hardy shade tolerant yew does not have any really serious insect or disease problems. He is great looking whether in the sun or the shade. However, if planted in unprotected sites there is a potential for winter sun burn or wind burn if he is overly exposed. Root rot will occur if a yew is planted in poorly-drained soils.
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