Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
Public Plant Profile

Captain Yew

Taxus cuspidata 'Fastigiata'

Category: Evergreen Shrub • Yew

Captain Yew is a columnar evergreen ideal for screening and foundation planting.

Mature Height: 10-15 feet
Mature Width: 4-8 feet
Light: Part Sun/Part Shade
Zone: Zones 4-7
Maintenance: Low
Growth Rate: Slow
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Foliage: Evergreen
Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Captain Yew is a narrow, upright evergreen shrub known for its dense foliage and unique columnar shape. It is ideal for creating vertical accents in gardens and landscapes. This hardy plant is tolerant of various soil types and can thrive in both urban and rural settings. Its dark green needles provide year-round interest, making it a popular choice for hedges and privacy screens.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It tolerates a range of moisture levels.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is ideal, with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to various soil types.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenfoundation plantingscreening

Special Features

Columnar growth habitevergreen foliage

Wildlife Value

Provides habitat and shelter for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for tight spaces due to its upright form. Can be used to create a formal hedge or privacy screen.

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Use this page to get a feel for where Captain Yew may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Is Captain Yew a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

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