Japanese Plum Yew

The Japanese plum yew is a deer-resistant small tree belonging to the plum-yew family. Its scientific name is in honor of the Earl of Harrington, who was the first plant this tree in a Europe.

This unique tree has long been valued not only for its ornamental qualities, but also for its medicinal properties. The plant has even shown potential in traditional medicine as an aid in treating certain diseases, including leukemia.

Japanese Plum Yew

The plant’s medicinal applications come from compounds found in its bark, needles, and stems, which have been studied for their ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. One of the compounds of interest is cephalotaxine, which has shown cytotoxic effects, meaning it can potentially kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies have suggested that cephalotaxine and related compounds may have promising applications in the treatment of leukemia and other types of cancer. However, it’s important to note that while these compounds have demonstrated potential in laboratory settings, further research and clinical studies are needed to fully understand their efficacy and safety.

• Omacetaxine mepesuccinate: is another alkaloid compound derived from the leaves, and is being developed as a drug for the treatment of hematological cancers, including leukemia.
• Anti-leukemia properties: Studies have shown that Omacetaxine mepesuccinate has benefits in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Patients with solid tumors did not show any benefit so far.

In traditional Chinese medicine, plants in the Cephalotaxus genus have been used as a remedy to improve overall health and vitality, and their extracts have been explored as a supplementary treatment alongside more conventional therapies. Although the medicinal use of the Japanese Plum Yew is still under investigation, it remains an area of interest for botanists and pharmacologists alike.

Scientific Classification

Images of Japanese Plum Yew

Japanese Plum Yew Dwarf

Prostrate Japanese Plum Yew

Japanese Plum Yew Duke Gardens

Quick Information

Other Names	Korean plum yew, cowtail pine, Harrington’s cephalotaxus, Assam plum yew, plum fruit yew, spreading plum yew
Type	Evergreen shrub
Identification	Size: 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m) tall and 5-14 ft (1.5-4.3 m) wide Trunk Diameter: 4 ft (1.2 m) Needles (Leaves): Linear, 2 in (5 cm) long, 0.12 in (0.30 cm) wide, leathery, dark-green above and lighter green below, arranged on either side of the shoot Bark: Grey-colored Flowers: Males are pale cream-colored, becoming brown as they age, globular-shaped; females are spherical, can be found at the base of shoots Cones: Smooth, pale green with darker green stripes, ovoid-shaped, 1 inch long, 0.6 inch wide
Distribution	They are native to Japan and Korea
Habitat	Woodlands of deciduous forests at heights of 1,970-3,280 ft (600-1,000 m)
Hardiness Zones	6-9
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	50-150 years
Growing Conditions	Summer: Part shade during hot summers, full sun during cooler ones Winter: First year of winter should be in cover Water: Moderate Light Requirement: Full sun to full shade Soil: Sand, loam, clay
Diseases & Pests	None
Reproduction System	Dioecious
Propagation	By cuttings and seeds
Seedling Development	Germination may take more than a year and half
Cutivars	Fastigiata (Upright) Prostrata Nana Hedgehog Drupacea Fritz Huber Korean Gold Gold splash Spreading
Uses	Ornamental; a substance known as omacetaxine, extracted from the leaves is used in treatment of leukemia
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Picture of Japanese Plum Yew

Spreading Japanese Plum Yew

Upright Japanese Plum Yew

Japanese Plum Yew Bonsai

Interesting Facts

• Oil derived from the fruits of the Japanese plum yew is edible, as are the seeds.
• This plant is sometimes confused with the similar sounding Japanese yew.

References:

1. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c769
2. https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/cephalotaxus-harringtonia
3. https://landscapeplants.aub.edu.lb/Plants/GetPDF/91b93daa-46d8-4654-a25c-ab490dcf7b10
4. http://rslandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/cephalotaxus-plum-yew.html
5. https://www.thespruce.com/japanese-plum-yew-growing-profile-3269170
6. https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Cephalotaxus+harringtonia
7. https://www.monrovia.com/spreading-japanese-plum-yew.html