Taxus cuspidata, commonly known as the yew tree, is an endangered species and a first-class protected plant in China. Renowned for its potent anti-cancer properties and ornamental value, it has become a highly sought-after "plant gold." Since the commercial harvesting of wild yew was banned in December 2002, cultivating Taxus cuspidata has become the sole sustainable method to support the paclitaxel industry. This practice not only ensures the continued availability of this valuable resource but also plays a critical role in conserving wild populations, offering promising prospects for future development.
Drawing from nearly a decade of hands-on experience, I have written this article to serve as a reference for fellow growers and enthusiasts. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some errors may still exist. I welcome any insights or corrections from experts and colleagues in the field.
**1. Growth Habits**
Taxus cuspidata is a resilient species, capable of thriving in cold, shady, and moist environments. It tolerates poor soil conditions and can withstand extreme temperatures. During dormancy, it can survive temperatures as low as -42°C without damage, even when buried under heavy snow. In summer, when temperatures exceed 30°C, growth slows significantly, and it may stop growing altogether if the heat persists.
This slow-growing plant typically reaches a height of about 2 meters after 14 years, with an average trunk diameter of 0.2 cm. Under optimal conditions, two-year-old cuttings planted for five years can grow to over 1 meter tall.
Taxus cuspidata is a dioecious plant, featuring red-leafed varieties with green foliage. It remains evergreen throughout the year, turning darker during dormancy. In northern regions, such as beyond the Great Wall, two-year-old cuttings or seedlings can begin flowering and fruiting after four years. The blooming season generally occurs between early April and late April, while fruits ripen from mid-August to early September.
**2. Cultivation Techniques**
**2.1 Site Selection and Land Preparation**
Choose well-drained loam soil near a water source, on flat terrain with good fertility. The planting area should be deeply tilled and leveled, forming raised beds that are 133 cm wide.
**2.2 Planting Density**
Planting density varies depending on the purpose. For bonsai production, plants should be closely spaced at 33 cm x 50 cm, allowing 4,000 plants per acre. For afforestation or medicinal forests, a more open spacing of 50 cm x 66.7 cm is recommended, with 2,000 plants per acre. After five years, thinning can occur, reducing the density to 50 cm x 133 cm, with approximately 1,000 plants per acre. For large-scale engineering seedlings, one plant can be removed at a time to allow space for growth.
**2.3 Transplanting Seedlings**
Use two-year-old cuttings for transplanting. Before planting, keep the seedlings moist, carefully remove them from their containers, and ensure the root system remains intact to maximize survival rates. When transplanting into pots, fill the roots with water to help establish the plants quickly.
**3. Tending and Management**
**3.1 Weeding**
Weed the area 3–4 times annually to maintain a clean growing environment.
**3.2 Fertilization**
In May, apply urea at a rate of 10 kg per mu (approximately 667 square meters), followed by watering. In autumn, it's best to apply organic fertilizer, such as sheep manure, once every 2–3 years at a rate of 1.5 tons per mu.
**3.3 Watering**
Water the plants in spring and autumn when the soil is dry. Remember: overwatering is a common cause of failure in potted yew. As the saying goes, “sweat and water pour,†meaning frequent watering is better than excessive amounts.
**3.4 Shading**
Use 70% shade nets or intercrop with fruit trees, such as planting yew on the north side of fruit trees and orienting fruit trees east-west. You can also intercrop with food crops and medicinal plants, like planting a row of corn followed by 2–3 rows of yew. Use tall corn varieties, such as Agricultural University 3138, and plant them densely from east to west. In residential areas, yew can be grown with minimal shading between buildings and green spaces.
**3.5 Pruning and Shaping**
The soft and flexible branches of Taxus cuspidata make it ideal for pruning and shaping. Proper trimming allows for the creation of various forms, making it suitable for bonsai cultivation.
After nine years of cultivation, no significant disease or pest problems were observed, highlighting the plant’s hardiness and ease of care.
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