Taxus cuspidata, commonly known as the yew, is an endangered species and a first-class protected plant in China. It has gained recognition as "plant gold" due to its powerful anti-cancer properties and high ornamental value. Since the commercial use of wild yew was banned in December 2002, cultivating Taxus cuspidata has become the only sustainable way to support the paclitaxel industry. This practice not only helps protect wild populations but also offers promising economic and ecological benefits.
Based on nine years of hands-on experience, I have written this article for reference. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some errors may still exist. I welcome any feedback or corrections from colleagues and experts in the field.
**1. Growth Habits**
Taxus cuspidata is known for its resilience to cold, shade, moisture, and poor soil conditions. It can thrive in a wide range of soils and tolerate extreme temperatures. During dormancy, it can withstand temperatures as low as -42°C without suffering frost damage. Even when buried under heavy snow, the plant remains intact and does not shed its leaves.
In summer, when temperatures exceed 30°C, growth slows down, and eventually stops as the heat continues. The plant grows slowly—after 14 years, it typically reaches about 2 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of around 0.2 cm. Under optimal conditions, two-year-old cuttings can grow to over 1 meter in just five years.
Taxus cuspidata is a dioecious plant, featuring red-leafed varieties with green foliage. It remains evergreen throughout the year, turning darker green during dormancy. In areas north of the Great Wall, two-year-old cuttings or seedlings can begin flowering and fruiting after four years. Flowering occurs between early April and late April, while fruits mature from mid-August to early September.
**2. Cultivation Techniques**
**2.1 Site Selection and Land Preparation:** Choose a loamy soil near a water source, with flat terrain, good drainage, and fertile conditions. Prepare the planting area by deep plowing and leveling, creating raised beds that are 133 cm wide.
**2.2 Planting Density:** The density varies depending on the purpose. For bonsai production, plants should be closely spaced at 33 cm x 50 cm, allowing 4,000 plants per acre. For afforestation and medicinal forest projects, a sparser layout of 50 cm x 66.7 cm is recommended, with 2,000 plants per acre. After five years, thinning is done, reducing the density to 50 cm x 133 cm, with 1,000 plants per acre. For large-scale engineering seedlings, individual plants can be removed gradually.
**2.3 Transplanting Seedlings:** Use two-year-old cuttings for transplanting. Before planting, keep the roots moist, carefully remove excess soil, and ensure the root system remains intact to improve survival rates. Water the roots thoroughly before placing them in the transplanting pots.
**3. Maintenance and Management**
**3.1 Weeding:** Perform weeding 3–4 times annually to maintain healthy growth.
**3.2 Fertilization:** Apply urea in May at a rate of 10 kg per mu, followed by watering. In autumn, apply sheep manure once every 2–3 years at a rate of 1.5 tons per mu.
**3.3 Watering:** Water the plants during dry periods in spring and autumn. Remember: Overwatering is a common cause of failure in potted yews. Avoid excessive irrigation.
**3.4 Shading:** Use 70% shade nets or intercrop with fruit trees, such as planting yew on the north side of fruit trees grown east-west. You can also intercrop with crops like corn, using tall varieties like Agricultural University 3138. In residential areas, yew can be planted in small quantities without shading.
**3.5 Pruning and Shaping:** The branches of Taxus cuspidata are soft and flexible, making them ideal for pruning and shaping into various forms for bonsai cultivation.
After nine years of growing Taxus cuspidata, I have not encountered any serious diseases or pest problems, which further highlights its hardiness and ease of cultivation.
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