Yunnan Cat-tail Yew Plant Care

Yunnan Cat-tail Yew (Amentotaxus yunnanensis) belongs to the Taxaceae family within the Amentotaxus genus. Yunnan Cat-tail Yew is native to Laos, Vietnam, and Guizhou and Yunnan in China. Yunnan Cat-tail Yew is also known as Cat-tail Yew.

Yunnan Cat-tail Yew displays a slow-growing evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Yunnan Cat-tail Yew produces inconspicuous male and female cones.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Yunnan Cat-tail Yew every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Yunnan Cat-tail Yew thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Yunnan Cat-tail Yew in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Amentotaxus yunnanensis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Yunnan Cat-tail Yew prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Yunnan Cat-tail Yew to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Yunnan Cat-tail Yew is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Yunnan Cat-tail Yew can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Yunnan Cat-tail Yew while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Yunnan Cat-tail Yew is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Yunnan Cat-tail Yew can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese cat-tail yew plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Yunnan Cat-tail Yew is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Yunnan Cat-tail Yew grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Yunnan Cat-tail Yew is native to Laos, Vietnam, and Guizhou and Yunnan in China. In cooler regions, grow Yunnan Cat-tail Yew as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.