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 a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include hedging and screens, topiary and ground cover. It is native to Europe, W Asia and N Africa.
About
Taxus baccata is a moderately sized, bushy evergreen tree characterized by its narrow, leathery leaves that are a deep green and arranged in pairs along the branches. The tree produces inconspicuous flowers, which are succeeded by fleshy red berries on the female specimens.
About the genus
Taxus comprises small evergreen trees or large shrubs characterized by a rounded form. They feature dense, needle-like foliage and produce inconspicuous flowers. Female specimens bear notable fleshy red arils that encase individual seeds.
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
- Europe, W Asia, N Africa
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Taxus baccata
- Cultivation
- Grow in any well-drained soil. Will tolerate exposure, dry soils and urban pollution. Good specimen plant for topiary and hedging
- Pruning
- No regular pruning necessary, but can be trimmed and shaped when required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to tortrix moth, vine weevil, gall mites and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to phytophthora root diseases and honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Taxus baccata?
Grow in any well-drained soil. Will tolerate exposure, dry soils and urban pollution. Good specimen plant for topiary and hedging.
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?
No regular pruning necessary, but can be trimmed and shaped when required.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Taxus baccata?
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
Is Taxus baccata toxic?
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.