About
A slow-growing evergreen shrub or tree, to around 3m high, with a columnar, upright habit and needle-like leaves that emerge bright yellow-green, and mature to dark green with pale cream edges. Insignificant flowers in spring are followed, if pollinated, by fleshy red fruits.
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, Full shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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 in sun or shade. Tolerant of exposure and urban pollution. Suitable for topiary and hedges
PruningNo pruning 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)