Cephalotaxus fortunei aka Fortune's Plum Yew

Cephalotaxus fortunei is an evergreen conifer called Chinese plum yew. Its native range spans central and southern China to northern Myanmar. It grows in woods, thickets, and along roadsides. It can form a large shrub or small tree. In gardens, it often has a round, open shape. Its spreading branches droop slightly at their tips. It keeps its green leaves through winter.

Garden plants often reach 10–15 feet [3–4.6 metres] tall. They can spread to about 15 feet [4.6 metres]. RHS gives a larger mature range of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Reports include trees reaching 65 feet [20 metres]. The flat, pointed needles look much like yew leaves. They shine dark green above, with two pale bands beneath. Needles grow in spirals but can appear in two rows. Young twigs are green and turn red-brown with age. Older bark has shallow cracks and peels in thin strips.

This conifer bears small cones rather than true flowers. Male cones are pale yellow; female cones are yellow-green. Both grow in clusters on short stalks. Male and female cones occur on separate plants. Fruit production needs a female plant and a male pollinator. The fleshy seed coverings look like small olives. They turn from olive green to brown as they ripen. Each holds a thick-walled seed beneath its leathery outer layer. These fruits add interest to the garden.

Grow it in moist soil that drains well. Sandy soil suits it, but it accepts clay, loam, and chalk. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Partial shade suits it well, including sites with hot summers. It tolerates full shade better than many needled evergreens. Full sun suits cool, moist climates. Established plants can cope with some drought. USDA guidance lists zones 7–9; RHS rates it H5. Zone 6 plants need protection and may still suffer winter damage. Shelter helps protect plants from cold, dry winds.

Use it in woodland gardens, hedges, screens, or groups. It tolerates pruning, though routine pruning is not needed. Sources report few pest or disease problems. Seed and shoot cuttings offer ways to raise new plants. PFAF lists the fruit as edible but gives limited details. It says fruit may fail to ripen in Britain. It only suggests that the seeds might be edible. PFAF reports no known hazards, rather than proven safety. It also reports anticancer activity in substances from this plant.