About
This large, bushy, upright evergreen shrub, columnar when young, later broader, with erect shoots bearing radially arranged, dark green leaves.
About the genus
Taxus are small evergreen trees or large shrubs of rounded habit, with dense, linear leaves, insignificant flowers and, on female plants, conspicuous fleshy red arils surrounding the solitary seeds
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conifers
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
ToxicityToxic if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil. Tolerant of exposure and urban pollution
PruningNo regular pruning necessary, but can be trimmed and shaped when required
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to tortrix moth, vine weevil, gall mites and scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora root diseases and honey fungus (rarely)