Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 where it is best grown in fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates both full sun and close to full shade. Appreciates consistent and even moisture, but is intolerant of wet soil conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Taxus floridana, commonly called Florida yew, is a coniferous, evergreen shrub or small tree in the yew family. It typically matures to 12-18’ (infrequently to 25’) tall. It is currently listed as an endangered species by both the U. S. and the State of Florida. Native range is limited to forested bluffs, slopes and ravines along a fifteen mile stretch on the east side of the Apalachicola River on the Florida panhandle from Chattahoochee (Gadsden County) to Bristol (Liberty County).
Florida yew features flat, linear, flexible, fine-textured, needle-like, sharply-pointed, dark green, evergreen leaves (to 1” long) in two horizontal comb-like ranks. Leaves are mildly aromatic when crushed. Plants are dioecious (separate male and female plants). Female plants produce 0.5" wide, berry-like cones made up of a single seed surrounded by a red, fleshy structure called an aril. The aril is formed by two fused, modified scale leaves. Bark is scaly brown.
Genus name is an old Latin name for yews.
Specific epithet is in obvious reference to the native range in Florida.
Problems
Susceptible to winter burn, particularly in exposed sites. Potential disease problems include twig blight and needle blight. Root rot may occur in poorly-drained soils. Potential insect problems include weevils, mealybugs and scale. Seeds and foliage of this tree are poisonous to humans.
Uses
Best grown as a specimen in a prominent location where it can be treasured as being one of the most endangered trees in the world today.