Duke Gardens Japanese Plum Yew is a slow-growing, compact evergreen shrub with a spreading, often vase-shaped form. It typically reaches 2-4 feet in height and 3-6 (or even up to 8) feet in width. It has dense, glossy, dark green, needle-like leaves that provide a fine texture. The needles may emerge as a lighter green. This cultivar is particularly noted for its excellent tolerance of shade, performing well in areas where many other evergreens struggle. It can also grow in full sun in cooler climates but prefers part shade in hot summer regions.