Edgefield Hardy Japanese Yew or Podocarpus. This is a very cold hardy selection that was found in Edgefield, SC, a town of less than 2000 but which has produced 10 governors of SC, including Strom Thurmond, more than any other US town. It is about 20 miles north of us and there are probably many old Fruitland Nurseries selections that can be found in the old gardens. The needles/leaves are about two thirds the size of 'Maki.' but it is far more cold hardy. Even when we reached -4 F in 1985, there was no cold damage to this plant. Japanese Yews can be allowed to grow unabated, where they can reach sizes of 30' or more, or be kept sheared to a desired size of 3 to 5'. This species is quite salt tolerant and because of this it is very popular along the coast where its roots are frequently immersed in salt water and its foliage covered in salt spray. Grow in sun or shade with good drainage. Since I have never witnessed fruit on this cultivar, I am not sure of its sex.
Zones 7b-10
