The
genus Cephalotaxus - the Plum Yews
A small genus of shrubby plants, with linear leaves in a two-ranked arrangement. Mid-rib prominent. Staminate sporophylls crowded. Seed long-stalked, fleshy, olive-like, maturing in a single season.
(R)
Cephalotaxus drupacea, Sieb. and Zucc.
Cow's-tail Pine, Japanese Plum Yew
A shrub native to China and Japan where it may attain a height of 30 feet. It has characteristic short, half-erect leaves in two rows. Grows in the open or in partial shade and is hardy in this country into which it was introduced in 1844.
(M)
Cephalotaxus fortunei, Hooker
Chinese Plum Yew or Pine
Native of North China where it grows into a small tree. Introduced into this country in 1848, it is grown as a shrub or low screen plant. The leaves, in two rows, are longer and held more horizontally than in the fromer species.