{"product_id":"nova-japanese-yew","title":"Nova Japanese Yew","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Cold-Hardy Columnar Yew for Minnesota Privacy\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNova Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata 'Nova') is an upright columnar yew bred for the cold-climate north. Whether you are building privacy in a Plymouth side yard, flanking a Wayzata entry, or framing a Minneapolis garden — Nova gets the job done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNova Japanese Yew Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTaxus cuspidata 'Nova'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNova Japanese Yew\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-12 ft tall × 3-4 ft wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlow to moderate — 6-12 inches per year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull to partial shade — one of the few evergreens that thrives in Minnesota shade. Tolerates full sun with adequate moisture.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate. Tolerates short dry spells once established.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -25°F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Best in well-drained soil — avoid sites with standing water.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvergreen — soft dark-green needles, holds color through Minnesota winters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -25°F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIMPORTANT: Yew foliage is highly toxic if browsed — but deer often eat it anyway in tough winters. Protect with deer fence in high-pressure areas.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNova Japanese Yew Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShade evergreen — rare in Minnesota\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost evergreens want full sun. Yews are one of the few that thrive in deep shade under mature oaks and maples — invaluable for shaded foundation beds and woodland edges in Edina, Minnetonka, and Wayzata.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFoundation plantings under roof eaves\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYews handle the dry \"rain shadow\" under roof eaves better than most evergreens. Deep, fibrous root systems and shade tolerance make them a reliable foundation choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHedges and screens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYews respond well to shearing and make tight, formal hedges. Use spreading types as low border hedges (2-3 ft) or upright\/columnar types for taller screens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Nova Japanese Yew in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window.\u003c\/strong\u003e Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring (late April–May) is the second-best window\u003c\/strong\u003e — the plant gets the full growing season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Nova Japanese Yew\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDig wide, not deep.\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container. Heavy clay benefits from even wider digging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck drainage.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fill the hole with water — if it doesn't drain in 30 minutes, mound-plant or break through any clay hardpan to improve drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBackfill with native soil + 20–30% compost.\u003c\/strong\u003e Minnesota clay-loam benefits from organic amendment but don't create a \"container\" of pure compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Refer to the mature width above and space accordingly. Closer for hedging, wider for individual specimen plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater basin.\u003c\/strong\u003e Build a 3–4 inch ring around the planting to direct water to the roots. Flatten or remove before winter to avoid ice damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulch.\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chip mulch, kept 2 inches away from the trunk. Do NOT use gravel mulch in Minnesota — it doesn't insulate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Nova Japanese Yew in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes per plant)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 3–4 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 5–7 days during active growth; less if rainfall is adequate (Minnesota averages ~3 inches\/month June–August)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze\u003c\/strong\u003e (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro) to avoid pushing late-season growth that gets killed by winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished plants only need supplemental water during droughts (2+ weeks with no rain and temps above 80°F). Water deeply and infrequently — every 7–14 days during dry spells, soaking to 6–8 inches depth. Let natural rainfall do most of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePruning Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrune in late spring after new growth flushes. Yews tolerate hard pruning better than most evergreens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between Nova Japanese Yew and similar shrubs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpright columnar Japanese yew with cold-hardy reliability. This makes it a strong choice when you want columnar, evergreen, shade-tolerant in a Minnesota-tested plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Nova Japanese Yew survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — 4-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -25°F. Nova Japanese Yew is among the most reliable yews for Twin Cities zone 4b–5a yards. First-year plants benefit from a deep mulch ring and adequate fall watering before ground freeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Nova Japanese Yew deer-resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIMPORTANT: Yew foliage is highly toxic if browsed — but deer often eat it anyway in tough winters. Protect with deer fence in high-pressure areas. In high-pressure areas like Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, or Chanhassen, plan accordingly — deer fencing or repellent for the first year is a worthwhile insurance policy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Nova Japanese Yew tolerate Minnesota clay soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Best in well-drained soil — avoid sites with standing water. At planting, dig wide (2–3× the root ball width) and amend with 20–30% compost. Avoid creating a sunken \"container\" of pure compost in the clay — the plant should transition gradually to native soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is the best time to plant Nova Japanese Yew in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall (late August through early October) is the ideal planting window — soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and plants get 6–8 weeks to establish before ground freeze. Spring (late April through May) is the second-best window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/shrubs\"\u003eShop all Three Timbers Minnesota shrubs\u003c\/a\u003e — full catalog of zone 4-hardy shrubs for Twin Cities yards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/deer-resistant\"\u003eDeer-Resistant Plants\u003c\/a\u003e — for high-pressure suburbs like Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Eden Prairie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/winter-interest\"\u003eWinter Interest Plants\u003c\/a\u003e — plants that look great through Minnesota's five-month winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/find-my-plant\"\u003eFind Your Perfect Plant\u003c\/a\u003e — answer 5 questions and we'll recommend a plant for your yard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Nova Japanese Yew Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNova is narrow and columnar (3–4 ft wide), so space plants about 3 ft apart on center for a dense evergreen privacy screen or formal hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eScreen Run\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed (3 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs single specimens or entry-flanking pairs, space 3–4 ft apart so each column keeps its clean upright shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNova Japanese Yew Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pushes soft, bright-green new growth at the tips against the older dark needles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense, deep-green columnar foliage gives screening and a calm formal backbone, even in shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Holds its green; female plants set small red berry-like arils that stand out against the dark needles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully evergreen — keeps its color and form through snow, one of the few evergreens that does so in shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Evergreen   ✔ Shade-Tolerant   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/green-velvet-boxwood\"\u003eGreen Velvet Boxwood\u003c\/a\u003e — a rounded evergreen that pairs formally with Nova's upright columns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/pjm-rhododendron\"\u003ePJM Rhododendron\u003c\/a\u003e — a cold-hardy broadleaf evergreen with spring bloom for the same shady bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/annabelle-hydrangea\"\u003eAnnabelle Hydrangea\u003c\/a\u003e — big white summer flowers that light up the shade beside the dark yew.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/alpine-currant\"\u003eAlpine Currant\u003c\/a\u003e — a tough, shearable shade shrub for filling out a mixed screen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Nova Japanese Yew Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNova is one of the rare evergreens that thrives in full to deep shade — ideal under mature oaks and maples, in north-side foundation beds, and in the dry rain-shadow under roof eaves, as long as the soil drains. Not a fit for soggy, poorly drained sites with standing water, or for high deer-pressure yards without fencing — yew is a deer favorite in hard winters despite being toxic.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#10 Gallon","offer_id":54148905271601,"sku":"E3034.7","price":123.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#7 Gallon","offer_id":54179716497713,"sku":"E3034.5","price":91.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54179716530481,"sku":"E3034","price":50.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Nova_japanese_yew_5_9118349d-e7c9-48f5-a830-0a15551538a6.jpg?v=1778267293","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/nova-japanese-yew","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}