Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew

Taxus cuspidata 'Captain'

Nature Hills Nursery

Emerald-Green New Growth Contrasts Strikingly Against Deep-Green Needles Year-Round
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-7
Grows 8-10 ft Tall, 5-6 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant

$96⁴⁰

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This classic evergreen is remarkably tolerant, thriving in conditions from full sun to heavy shade. For the most vigorous growth and densest foliage, site it in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or filtered light throughout the day.
Soil: A Yew's biggest requirement is excellent drainage; standing water is a death sentence for the roots. Amend heavy clay soils with compost and pine fines to improve aeration, or if your soil is extremely sandy, incorporate organic matter like leaf mold to help retain some moisture and nutrients.

Watering Requirements

For the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings to help the root system establish. A mature Yew is quite drought tolerant but performs best when given supplemental water during extended dry spells. Prolonged water stress can cause needle burn and slow its elegant, upright growth, compromising its tight form.

Pruning Tips

Yews are extremely forgiving and can be pruned back into old wood, as they reliably sprout new growth from dormant buds, making them one of the best evergreens for shaping. Perform your main reduction or corrective pruning in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears, which allows the plant to quickly recover and set its new form for the season. For light shearing to maintain the pyramidal shape, wait until the first flush of growth has hardened off in late spring.

Fertilizer Needs

These evergreens are not heavy feeders; apply a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs in early spring, just as new growth begins. A light application every 2 to 3 years is often sufficient for established plants. Crucially, avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season (after mid-summer), as this stimulates tender new growth that will not have time to harden before winter and will be highly susceptible to freeze damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Low Maintenance, Hedge/Screen, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade, Shade
Height	8-10 ft
Width	5-6 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Taxus cuspidata 'Captain'
Species	cuspidata
Cultivar	Captain
Class	Coniferopsida, Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Upright and showy, fine-textured deep evergreen of Captain™ Upright Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata 'Fastigiata') looks incredible in the landscape! Fluffy-looking shrubs with bolt upright growth, Captain features shiny deep-green foliage with unique emerald-green new growth that contrasts well against the dark green needles.

Showy red berries accent the shrub in fall if a male is nearby to pollinate. Plus exfoliating red-brown bark for added character! Dense and multi-branched shrubs, Yews offers loads of year-round greenery and dependability!

Fast-growing, these can be pruned and sheared. Growing ten feet plus in height and half as wide when left unpruned, It is easily trimmed once a year to keep at most any size you prefer. Japanese Yews appreciate some protection from open windy sites in the colder climates (zones 4-6). Be mindful that the red berry-like seed cones are toxic, so keep pets and small children away from them.

Planting and Application:

Taking pruning like a champ, Captain™ is perfect for screening and privacy! Use as a specimen planting or focal point alone or kick things up a notch and try your hand at shearing and shaping these as a formal Hedge or Topiary evergreen! Fantastic privacy screens around your patio or as a perimeter planting, Captain™ is a great Windbreak and shelterbelt plant!

Use in meditation, Zen and Asian-inspired gardens, Foundation plantings or flank your entry with these formal steady evergreen shrubs! Left unpruned, these fluffy shrubs also serve as impressive backdrop plants to highlight all your beds and borders! Looking lovely along a fence to enhance (or hide) the view!

Upright Evergreen With Emerald Green New Growth
Deep-Green Soft Needles
Red, Showy Berries on Female Plants
Windbreak & Shelterbelt Plantings
Pyramidal Shape for Hedges & Screening

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Imagine an evergreen that tolerates full sun through full shade! Only requiring a well-drained site throughout USDA hardiness zones 4-9. Yew prefers evenly moist, well-drained soils but is drought tolerant once established. Japanese Yew will not tolerate standing water which leads to root rot. Mulch the roots to insulate and maintain more consistently moistened soil.

Sun or Shade, Rare for an Evergreen!
All Moist, Well-Drained Soils
Easily Maintained With Pruning
Very Cold Hardy & Drought Tolerant Once Established
Easy Care & Low Maintenance

For easy care and an excellent hedge or topiary shrub, you can't go wrong with the deep evergreen foliage of Captain™ Upright Japanese Yew! Order yours from Nature Hills today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew suitable for?

Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. In the coldest zones (4-6), provide protection from harsh winds and exposed sites. Choose a well-drained location for best results.

How tall and wide does Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew grow at maturity?

Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew reaches 10+ feet tall and 5 feet wide at maturity when left unpruned. This fast-growing evergreen is easily maintained at any preferred size with annual trimming. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile screening plant.

Does Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew tolerate shade or full sun?

Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew thrives in full sun through full shade, making it exceptionally versatile. This adaptable evergreen only needs well-drained soil in zones 4-9. Plant it anywhere from sunny borders to shaded foundation areas for reliable year-round greenery.

What soil types does Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew prefer or tolerate?

Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew tolerates most soil types as long as they drain well. This adaptable evergreen thrives in zones 4-9 and handles everything from full sun to full shade. Avoid waterlogged areas and ensure good drainage for best results.

How much water does Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew need after planting?

Q: How much water does Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew need after planting? Water newly planted Captain Upright Yews deeply 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. These hardy evergreens establish quickly in zones 4-9 once their roots spread into well-drained soil. Reduce watering frequency after year one, as mature yews are quite drought tolerant. Find Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew at naturehills.com.

Can Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew be pruned, and when is the best time?

Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew takes pruning exceptionally well and can be sheared into formal shapes or maintained at any preferred size. These fast-growing evergreens naturally reach 10+ feet tall but respond beautifully to annual trimming. Prune once yearly during late winter or early spring before new growth begins for best results.

Is Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew toxic to pets or children?

Yes, the red berry-like seed cones of Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew are toxic to both pets and children. The foliage is also poisonous if ingested. Plant this yew away from areas where kids and pets play, or choose a different evergreen for high-traffic family spaces.

How is Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew shipped, and is it well-packaged?

Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew ships as a well-rooted nursery plant with protective packaging to ensure safe arrival. The dense, multi-branched structure handles shipping well due to its naturally sturdy growth habit. Plant immediately upon arrival in well-drained soil for best establishment.

Is Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew deer resistant or prone to pests?

Japanese Yews like Captain Upright are generally deer resistant due to their toxic properties. The same compounds that make the berries poisonous to pets and children also deter most deer from browsing. Plant in zones 4-9 with good drainage for best pest resistance.

Captain Upright Pyramidal Yew

Taxus cuspidata 'Captain'