Characteristics
| Hardiness zone | 5b |
|---|---|
| Foliage type | evergreen |
| Plant form | spreading |
| Mature height | 24 inches |
| Spread | 5 feet |
| Light requirements | full sun to shade |
| Moisture requirements | average to moist |
| Plant origin | import |
Creeping Plum Yew
Botanical name: Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘var. prostrata’
An interesting prostrate variety that grows in a low spreading mound; will take more shade than almost any needled evergreen; makes a great groundcover in a shady area; good for foundation planting.
Other names: Cow’s Tail Pine
Ornamental Features
Creeping Plum Yew has attractive dark green foliage which emerges light green in spring. The needles are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant.
Landscape Attributes
Creeping Plum Yew is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Creeping Plum Yew is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Accent, Mass Planting, Hedges/Screening, General Garden Use
Planting and Growing
Creeping Plum Yew will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.
This shrub performs well in both full sun and full shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
