Taxus cuspidata 'Aurescens' (Golden Japanese Yew)


Michael's Opinion

Once again an underused plant that can add a touch of drama to the garden. In spring new foliage emerges a crisp golden colour fading somewhat through the year. That said it does maintain some golden colour into the winter, gold mixed with a slight tinge of rust. This plant needs plenty of room to grow:pruning removes the foliage colour. Suited as an individual accent or a mass planting.

Botanical Information

FamilyTaxaceae
GenusTaxus
Speciescuspidata
Cultivar'Aurescens'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginHorticultural origin, introduced from Hungary.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4-7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a-6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-34
Temperature (°F)-30
Height.5 - 1 m
Spread1 - 2 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionEasily grown in average to medium moisture; well-drained, sandy loam soils and in full sun to part sun. If grown in good soil and full sun, the colour will be more intense than if it were grown in poor soil and full shade. Tolerates urban conditions.
ID CharacteristicThe dense multi-stemmed shrub with its relatively fine texture and intense spring gold colour sets it apart from other landscape plants. Attractive foliage and relatively low maintenance. It has no significant negative characteristics. Seeds are poisonous if ingested.
ShapeLow, dense, compact, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more rounded form.
LandscapeExcellent specimen or massing for foliage accent in the landscape. Makes great bonsais and looks wonderful in rock gardens. Makes nice hedges, but be sure to prune so they’re narrow on top and wider on the bottom in order for the light to enter.
PropagationFrom semi-hardwood cuttings, the clones will root readily by late summer. When making cuttings, avoid plant stems that are setting buds.
CultivationPlant in full sun or part shade in sandy-loam to clay-loam soils. Does best in evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. Very tolerant of urban pollution. Apply mulch in winter to protect the roots in colder zones.
PestsNone of note in the Ontario garden.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionOn older specimens, the bark is an attractive reddish-brown colour with exfoliating scale-like strips. In younger plants, it has smooth brown bark that is not particularly outstanding.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionOvoid-oblong, brown, composed of concave, ovate scales that are imbricate.
Leaf Description2 ranked, needle like foliage that are not distinct. 0.04-2.5 cm in length that may be straight or curved, with an apex that is sharply pointed. Dark green colour above and yellowish green below in the summer, which begins to yellow in the autumn.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are dioecious and form on previous year’s wood. They bloom in April and are ornamentally unimportant.
Fruit DescriptionSeeds are ovoid, about 7 mm long by 2 mm broad and compressed with a hard seed covered by a red arial, which is mildly attractive.
Colour DescriptionLeaves of the current year’s growth are a deep yellow, and after the first season, gradually changes to a light green. Reddish coloured seeds. Red-brown bark.
Texture DescriptionHard, smooth seeds. Smooth leaves. The exfoliating scale-like bark has a medium texture.

Photographs