Overview
Taxus baccata is a bushy conifers in the genus Taxus, part of the Taxaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Taxus baccata grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include hedging and screens, topiary and ground cover. It is native to Madeira Island, Flanders, Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region and Walloon Region.
About
Taxus baccata is an evergreen conifer that can develop into a large tree or extensive hedge, ultimately exceeding 12 metres in height and more than 8 metres across. It is well-branched and slow-growing, typically taking 20–50 years to reach its full height. It tolerates full sun to deep shade and a wide range of soils so long as they are well drained. All parts except the fleshy aril are poisonous and toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation or through the skin.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Taxus baccata
About the genus
Taxus is a genus of coniferous trees or shrubs known as yews in the family Taxaceae. Yews occur around the globe in temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, northernmost in Norway and southernmost in the South Celebes. Some populations exist in tropical highlands.
Wikipedia contributors, "Taxus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Taxus
In the garden
Taxus baccata is an evergreen conifer in the family Taxaceae, native to Madeira Island and regions of Belgium including Flanders, the Brussels-Capital Region and the Walloon Region. As a long-lived tree it is commonly used in large-scale plantings, churchyards and formal gardens where height and dense evergreen screening are required. It will grow in full sun, partial shade or full shade and accepts chalk, clay, loam or sand soils across acid, neutral and alkaline pH ranges, provided the soil is well drained. It stands up to both exposed and sheltered sites and is fully hardy in the UK (H7; USDA 5–7). Expect a slow progression to mature size: plan on 20–50 years to reach its full stature when siting or when training as a large hedge or specimen. Use Taxus baccata for tall hedging and screens, clipped topiary or where large, evergreen structure is needed; it is also used as ground cover in appropriate forms. Exercise caution when handling foliage: all parts except the fleshy aril are poisonous, so wear gloves when pruning and remove clippings promptly to avoid accidental exposure.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Taxus
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Taxus baccata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Hedging and screens, Topiary, Ground cover
- Native to
- Madeira Island, Flanders, Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region
- Toxicity
- All parts of the plant except the fleshy aril are poisonous, with toxins that can be absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, and transpiration through
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Taxus baccata
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to deep shade; slow-growing and long-lived
- Pruning
- Responds well to pruning and can be shaped for hedges or topiary; best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to tortrix moth, vine weevil, gall mites, scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to phytophthora root diseases, honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Taxus baccata?
Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to deep shade; slow-growing and long-lived.
Where is the best place to plant Taxus baccata?
Taxus baccata prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Taxus baccata need?
Taxus baccata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Taxus baccata?
Responds well to pruning and can be shaped for hedges or topiary; best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth.
How big does Taxus baccata grow?
Taxus baccata reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Taxus baccata hardy in the UK?
Taxus baccata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Taxus baccata?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
Is Taxus baccata toxic?
All parts of the plant except the fleshy aril are poisonous, with toxins that can be absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, and transpiration through.
More in the Taxus genus
Browse all Taxus →
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