Family: Podocarpaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Native to southern China, northern Myanmar, Taiwan, and Japan, Podocarpus macrophyllus is an evergreen conifer valued for its dense foliage, upright growth habit, and adaptability in landscapes. Despite its common name, it is not a true yew. This species can grow as a shrub or small tree, with dark green, leathery needle-like leaves and fleshy purple fruits produced on female plants. Japanese yew is widely used as a hedge, screen, topiary, or specimen planting because it responds well to pruning and tolerates a range of growing conditions, including urban environments and coastal areas. In Hawaiʻi, it has become naturalized on Oʻahu.

Risks & Threats
Although naturalized in Hawaiʻi, Japanese yew is currently considered a low risk species. It has not shown evidence of widespread invasive behavior or major ecological impacts in the islands. However, because it can reproduce by seed and persist in suitable habitats, continued monitoring is recommended to ensure it does not spread into sensitive native ecosystems over time. Homeowners and landscapers can help reduce potential risks by properly managing plantings and preventing unwanted spread into nearby natural areas.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized on O'ahu
  
• Broad climate suitability (zones 8B–11; tolerates heat, salt, shade)
  
• Repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Unpalatable to deer
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Wide soil tolerance (including drought and salt)
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people (ornamental)
  
• Bird-dispersed; seeds survive gut passage
  
• Tolerates pruning and resprouts

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No toxicity to animals; low toxicity to humans
  
• Dioecious (requires both sexes for seed)
  
• No vegetative spread
  
• Slow growth rate (4+ years to maturity)
  
• No persistent seed bank (recalcitrant/viviparous seeds)
  
• Not dispersed by wind, water, or external animal attachment