Canada yew
taxus canadensis
Also known as: ["American yew","ground hemlock"]
Overview
A slow-growing, low-spreading evergreen shrub native to eastern North America, known for its toxic foliage and bark.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Taxaceae |
| Genus: | Taxus |
| Botanical Name: | Taxus canadensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: sheltered garden bed or container in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-40–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter; a mix of loam, peat, and sand is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light daily); tolerates more sun with adequate moisture.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak summer heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in dry conditions
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, acidic to neutral loam
pH: Acidic to slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold temperatures down to -30°C (-20°F); prefers cool summers with temperatures between 15–25°C (60–77°F).
Protect from late spring frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter.
Fertilizing
every 3–4 months during spring and summer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid over-fertilization; use a balanced formula for slow growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (semi-hardwood) or seed propagation; cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Late summer for cuttings; fall or early spring for seeds.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (18–24°C or 65–75°F) for cuttings; cooler temperatures for seed stratification.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 8–12 weeks; seed germination can take 1–3 months with stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of individual branches; avoid shearing to maintain natural form.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant to maintain form; remove dead or diseased branches; encourage denser growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, sterilized blades.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) or one size up.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant is root-bound or soil is depleted; typically every 3–5 years for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Check root boundness; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, adjusting based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss to improve structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of needles in extreme heat; needle drop or dieback in prolonged cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause needle desiccation and dieback if not protected; frost can damage new growth.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; use burlap screens for extreme cold; avoid overwatering in winter.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to needle scorch, wilting, and reduced growth; dehydration is common in dry, hot conditions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility before fertilizing; apply in early spring; use sparingly; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; fertilize sparingly every 2–3 years for established plants.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicTaxus canadensis is highly toxic to cats due to the presence of taxine alkaloids. Ingestion can cause severe cardiac and neurological effects, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicTaxus canadensis is highly toxic to dogs due to the presence of taxine alkaloids. Ingestion can lead to severe cardiac and neurological effects, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicTaxus canadensis contains toxic alkaloids, primarily taxine, which can cause severe physiological effects including cardiac and neurological disturbances. The plant's toxicity is systemic and can lead to significant health complications if ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Canada yew toxic to humans?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans if ingested.
Q: Can Canada yew be grown in shade?
A: Yes, it is shade tolerant and thrives in partial to full shade.
Q: What are the common uses of Canada yew?
A: It is primarily used for ornamental landscaping and is sometimes used in traditional medicine.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Taxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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