| General Description | A wide spreading tree that can also appear rather shrub-like. It takes close to one hundred years to reach its full height. The needles and branches are toxic if consumed. Highly regarded for its ability to thrive in many climates and its low maintenance. |
| ID Characteristic | This cultivar is known for its light exfoliating bark, blackish-green leaves and its upward growing branches with weeping twigs. |
| Shape | Semi-pyramidal with ascending branches and weeping twigs; it has a rather short trunk and needs room for its robust form. |
| Landscape | Tree or informal shrub, used a lot in topiary works; also, suitable for screening or hedging but can sometimes give poor shade; compliments landscape because of its exfoliating bark. |
| Propagation | Dioecious, but female branches have been seen in shrub. |
| Cultivation | Tolerates most soil types, including clay, loams and sand with pH between 5.5-7. Thrives in partial shade and full sun. Drought and pollution tolerant and can revive itself from damage caused by animals. Fairly low maintenance but benefits from being cut back in late spring. Overall, a fully hardy cultivar. |
| Pests | Susceptible to Taxus mealybug, Taxus scale and yew-gall midge. It should be protected against vine weevils and caterpillars. |
| Notable Specimens | The Van Dusen Garden, Vancouver, British Columbia. |
| Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Light to medium brown, flaky exfoliating bark. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Buds are small and scaly, about 1.25 cm radius. |
| Leaf Description | Opposite, almost whorled bipinnate; around 1–3 cm long; smooth, weeping leaves that face upwards. They are relatively short in length. |
| Flower Description | Yellow strobili flowers sprout from the axils of leaves in mid-spring. |
| Fruit Description | The fruit has an ovoid shape seed with a fleshy aril; red in colour and about 1 cm in diameter; matures in late summer and present until late autumn. |
| Colour Description | Blackish green needles and brown bark with yellow flowers and red fruit. |
| Texture Description | Smooth, flaky texture. |
