Deer-Resistant

Columnar Japanese Plum Yew

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata'

$23.00 Sold out
USDA Zones 6–9 Full Sun, Part Shade, and Full Shade Matures 6–10 Feet

The columnar plum yew, Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata' holds dark green whorled needles on stiffly upright branches, a deer-proof evergreen for sun or deep shade.

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
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Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata' is the columnar Japanese plum yew, a needle-leaf evergreen of distinctive upright form, the dark green, glossy needles arranged in dense whorls around stiffly erect branches like a green bottlebrush held vertical. An ancient Japanese and Korean clone, the plant occasionally throws a shoot of the flat, two-ranked foliage typical of the wild species, a quiet reminder of the parent.

This is one of the most useful evergreens for the difficult places of a Southern garden. The plum yew thrives in sun or deep shade, shrugs off the heat and humidity that defeat the true yews, and is famously left alone by deer. Give moist but well-drained soil to start; once established the plant is notably drought tolerant. A handsome vertical accent, a narrow evergreen screen, or a dark column among broadleaf companions.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 6–9
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
Soil
Well-drained, Moist
Mature size
Height 6–10 Feet · Spread 4–6 Feet
Growth rate
Slow
Seasonality
Evergreen
Design Notes

Use 'Fastigiata' as a strong vertical accent, a narrow evergreen screen, or a dark exclamation point among broadleaf shrubs, anywhere upright evergreen structure is wanted in a tight footprint. One of the few conifers happy in deep shade as well as sun, the plum yew anchors a shaded border or a courtyard where junipers and true yews would sulk, and the deer-proof foliage makes it invaluable where browsing is heavy. Give moist, well-drained soil, and pair with hellebores, ferns, and broadleaf evergreens.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Foliage. Dark green, glossy, needle-like leaves in dense whorls around stiffly upright branches, evergreen and surprisingly soft, with an occasional reversion to the flat, two-ranked foliage of the species.

Cones. Plum yews are dioecious; female plants bear fleshy, olive-like seeds, the plum in the name, where a male grows nearby, while the flowers themselves are small and inconspicuous.

Habit. Stiffly upright and columnar, six to ten feet tall and far narrower, slow-growing and dense, a strong vertical among rounded shrubs.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun to full shade, one of the few conifers genuinely at home in deep shade.

Soil. Well-drained, humus-rich soil; tolerates a range of types but resents soggy ground.

Water. Keep moist while establishing, then notably drought-tolerant.

Pruning. Little needed; shear lightly in late winter to keep the column tight, or remove any reverting flat-leaved shoots.

Hardiness. Reliable through USDA Zones 6 to 9; heat- and humidity-tolerant and deer-resistant.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.