Yew podocarpus

The Southern Yew, also commonly referred to as Maki, Japanese Yew and Yew Pine, typically reaches heights between 20 and 35 feet. Spread averages range between 10 and 15 feet with the branches growing in an upright oval shape. The canopy shape and short height can make this tree a useful shrub, hedge or small tree. Originally from Japan and southern China, this tree is usually found in areas of the United States with warm winters. For best growth, the tree should be planted in rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils with partial sun.

The alternate, needle-like LEAVES are arranged in whorl like spirals. Each leaf is 1/2-3” long and very sharp at the tip. The top of the dark green leaf has a waxy, leathery type feel while the bottom is just a smooth surface with two stomatiferous bands.

The peeling BARK is a brownish red when young but turns to a grayish brown once it matures. BRANCHES are densely covered in leaves.

During April and May, dioecious, non-showy FLOWERS appear. The catkin-like male flowers are yellow brown and grow in 1-1 1/2” long clusters. The female flowers appear as short stalks with a few scales, although only the upper one or two are fertile.

The FRUIT from the Southern Yew comes in the form of a naked SEED. The seed comes in a red to purplish color, which turns bluish when ripe. About a 1/2” long, the seed is round in shape and has a fleshy receptacle.

Fruit from this tree can be eaten fresh or used in cooking cakes, pies or preserves.