General Information
•Status in Florida: Critically Endangered (Federally and State-listed)
•Native Habitat: Rich, deciduous forests on lower and mid-slopes of ravines and steepheads on the east side of the Apalachicola River; rarely cedar swamps
•Native States: Florida (endemic)
•Growing Zones: USDA Zones 8A–9B
•Size at Maturity: Typically 12–18 feet tall; occasionally up to 25 feet
•Phenology: Evergreen
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Growth Rate: Slow
•Growth Habit: Irregular, bushy, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree
•Bloom Season: March (female plants)
•Bloom Color: Inconspicuous; female plants produce small, pulpy fruits ripening to red in the fall
Growth Conditions
•Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
•Soil Texture: Well-drained, rich, loamy soils
•Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low
•Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Specimen plant, shade garden, conservation plantings
•Maintenance Tips: Minimal pruning required; protect from drought and excessive sunlight
•Considerations: Due to its endangered status, ensure sourcing from reputable nurseries; avoid planting in areas prone to fire
•Hurricane Wind Resistant: No
•Erosion Control: No
•Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
•Edible: No (all parts are toxic if ingested)
•Pet Safe: Caution (toxic to pets if ingested)
•Deer and Rabbit Resistance: No (susceptible to browsing)
•Historical Medicinal Uses: Bark contains paclitaxel (Taxol), used in cancer treatment
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Torreya taxifolia, Magnolia grandiflora, Ilex opaca
•Wildlife Benefit: Birds consume the red arils; provides shelter for small mammals
•Caterpillar Host Plant: No
•Propagation: Seed (requires scarification), cuttings
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Special Notes on Florida Yew:
•Endemic to a limited area in the Florida Panhandle, specifically along a 15-mile stretch on the east side of the Apalachicola River
•Highly sensitive to fire and habitat disturbance; conservation efforts are crucial for its survival
•Due to its rarity and endangered status, cultivation is primarily for conservation purposes