A versatile evergreen tolerating heavy pruning, making it ideal for hedges, screens, foundation plantings and topiary landscapes. It can also be left unpruned for a softer textured landscape. A very columnar-growing cultivar, making it a good vertical accent. Protection (burlap wrap) from drying winter winds is recommended in an exposed location.

All parts of the plant are poisonous to human beings, dogs, cats, and horses, except the flesh of the basically tasteless berry. The hard seed inside the berry is also poisonous. Unfortunately, the poison does not seem to affect deer.