Japanese yew ‘Dwarf Bright Gold’
Taxus cuspidata ‘Dwarf Bright Gold’ or Japanese yew ‘Dwarf Bright Gold’. These evergreens, with their distinctive golden yellow-colored new growth, are components of the southern and eastern borders at Lurie Garden called the Low Hedge. ‘Dwarf Bright Gold’ yews grow to 6 ft. tall, but are easily maintained to a shorter stature by pruning and sheering.
Newly-emerged needles of the cultivar are golden yellow with green striations, with the coloration being most prominent during the spring growth flush and maintained through winter by a late season sheering.
In the wild, the species T. cuspidata (Taxaceae) is native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China where specimens can grow up to 60 ft. tall with 2 ft. diameter trunks. Leaves of the species–and many ornamental cultivars–are flat and lanceolate, up to 1.25 inches long, and arranged in a spiral around the woody stem.
As an ornamental, Japanese yews grow best in well-drained soils with average to medium moisture. Yews have little-to-no tolerance for wet soil conditions, which quickly promote root and trunk rot. Plants grow best in full sun and most cultivars will tolerate part-shade. Coloration in ‘Dwarf Bright Gold’ develops best when plants are grown in full sun. Japanese yews adapt well to heavy and frequent pruning, sheering, and shaping–making for great opportunities for formality or fun in your garden.
| Botanical Name | Taxus cuspidata ‘Dwarf Bright Gold’ |
| Common Name | Japanese yew ‘Dwarf Bright Gold’ |
| Family | Taxaceae |
| USDA Zone | 4 thru 7 |
| Light Requirement | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Season(s) of interest | all seasons |
| Height and Spread | 4-6ft x 5-7ft (1.2-1.8m x 1.5-2.1m) |
| Flower Color | Non-Flowering |
| Attracts Wildlife | Provides Food for Birds, |
| Additional Information | Not Native to the US Midwest. Species Native to Asia |
| Location in Lurie Garden | Low Hedge |
