Korean Plum Yew

Cephalotaxus harringtonia koreana

Physical Characteristics

Cephalotaxus harringtonia koreana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Oil Fruit. - raw or cooked. Fairly large, about 3cm long[200]. We have no information on this sub-species but assume that the fruit and seed will be edible[K]. The fruit does not always ripen in Britain, before full ripeness it has a disgusting resinous flavour that coats the mouth and refuses to go away for hours[K]. Seed - raw or cooked. Oily.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known