This plum yew is grown for its unusual evergreen foliage and small stature. This shrub is compact and slightly spreading, maturing at only 2 to 4 feet tall and wide. Its unique needles are very ferny and dark green throughout the year.

This evergreen is one of the few that will grow in full shade, but it prefers part shade. It will grow well in a variety of soils except for wet soils.

It will tolerate some drought once established. However, it should be protected from cold winter winds. This shrub works very well as an accent, foundation plant, or massed in a shade garden.