Contents
Description
Cephalotaxaceae is a family of coniferous trees and shrubs that is native to eastern Asia. The family comprises four genera, including Cephalotaxus, which is the most common and widely distributed genus. The members of this family are commonly known as plum yews due to their resemblance to yew trees. Plum yews are slow-growing and have a unique appearance that makes them stand out from other coniferous plants.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cephalotaxaceae |
| Genus | Cephalotaxus, Torreya, Amentotaxus, and Microcachrys |
Appearance
Plum yews have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other coniferous trees. They have soft, needle-like leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern along the stem. The leaves are typically dark green, but some species have yellow or bluish-green foliage. Plum yews are dioecious, meaning that they have separate male and female plants. The male plants produce small, inconspicuous flowers while the female plants produce fleshy, plum-like fruits that contain seeds.
Care Guide
Plum yews are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:- Water: Plum yews prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water your plant deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in the spring with a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.- Soil: Plum yews prefer acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is alkaline, amend it with peat moss or compost.- Sunlight: Plum yews prefer partial shade to full shade. Avoid planting them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their foliage.- Hardiness Zones: Plum yews are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Plum yews are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if they are planted in poorly-drained soil. Keep an eye out for signs of wilting or yellowing foliage, which could be a sign of root rot. If you suspect that your plant has root rot, remove it from the soil and replant it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Habitat
Plum yews are native to eastern Asia, where they grow in mountainous regions and forests. They prefer cool, moist environments and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can plum yews be grown in containers?
A: Yes, plum yews can be grown in containers as long as they are provided with well-draining soil and regular watering.
Q: Are plum yews toxic to pets?
A: Yes, plum yews are toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them out of reach of dogs and cats.
Q: Can plum yews be pruned?
A: Yes, plum yews can be pruned to maintain their shape and size. Prune them in the spring before new growth begins.
Q: How tall do plum yews grow?
A: The height of plum yews varies depending on the species. Some species, such as Cephalotaxus harringtonii, can grow up to 50 feet tall, while others, such as Cephalotaxus harringtonii ‘Prostrata’, only grow a few feet tall.
Related Plants
– Taxus (yew)- Pinus (pine)- Juniperus (juniper)- Thuja (arborvitae)
References
– “Cephalotaxaceae.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Sept. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalotaxaceae.- “Plum Yew.” Missouri Botanical Garden, Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c415.
