About
A slow-growing evergreen shrub up to 4m and spreading to 2.5m, with dark green very narrow leaves. Tolerant of pollution. Good ground cover and backdrop for other colours.
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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
ToxicityTOXIC 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
CultivationGrow in any well drained soil. Both male and female plants available - females will have red berries, males masses of pale yellow flowers making clouds of pollen. Tolerant of pollution. For more information see tree cultivation.
PruningPruning group 1 if grown as a tree. As a hedge, Yew is pruned in late summer or more often for a very formal appearance. Yew is also suitable for topiary.
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to tortrix moth, vine weevil, gall mites and scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to phytophthora root diseases