This variety of the "Japanese Plum Yew" is somewhat similar in appearance to the English Yew, but has longer, courser, flat needles. 'Duke Gardens' holds its deep green foliage throughout the year, and has a much fuller appearance when planted in full sun when the needles whorl around the branches. This shrub has a dense, broad spreading habit without a central leader and branches that are horizontal though slightly ascend. One can expect an annual growth of six inches and a height of four feet by eight feet wide after 20 years. 'Duke Gardens' is also praised for being unattractive to browsing deer. Zone 5-8