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Description
Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana, also known as Dwarf Japanese Yew, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that belongs to the Taxaceae family. It is native to Japan and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is a popular choice for bonsai because of its compact size and dense foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Taxaceae |
| Genus | Taxus |
Appearance
Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana has a compact and dense growth habit, with a height of 3-5 feet and a spread of 4-6 feet. It has dark green needles that are 0.5-1 inch long and pointed at the tip. The bark is smooth and gray-brown in color. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring that are followed by fleshy red fruit in fall. The fruit is poisonous if ingested.
Care Guide
Water: Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.
Fertilization: Feed the plant with a slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
Soil: The plant grows best in acidic soil with a pH of 5.0-6.5. Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
Sunlight: Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana prefers partial shade to full shade. Avoid planting it in direct sunlight.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and fungal diseases. To prevent pests and diseases, keep the plant healthy by providing proper care and pruning dead or diseased branches.
Habitat
Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana is native to Japan and grows in forests and mountains. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana poisonous?
A: Yes, the fruit of Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana is poisonous if ingested.
Q: How often should I fertilize Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana?
A: Feed the plant with a slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
Q: What are the common pests of Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana?
A: Spider mites and scale insects are common pests of Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Related Plants
- Taxus Baccata (English Yew)
- Taxus Cuspidata (Japanese Yew)
- Taxus Chinensis (Chinese Yew)
References
- “Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b723. Accessed 3 May 2021.
- “Taxus Cuspidata Var. Nana.” NC State University Extension. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/taxus-cuspidata-var-nana/. Accessed 3 May 2021.
