Yew (Taxus)

Yew, also known as Taxus, English Yew, or Common Yew (scientific name: Taxus baccata and related species), is a versatile evergreen prized for its dense, dark green foliage and adaptability. These long-lived plants are a cornerstone of classic landscaping, providing structure, privacy, and year-round beauty.

At Gardencenterpoint.com, we understand the appeal of this remarkable genus, and we’re here to help you navigate the world of Taxus. This guide provides comprehensive information, covering everything from planting and care to exploring the diverse uses of yew in your garden, and address its toxicity.

1. Understanding the Yew (Taxus): A Deep Dive

The yew is not a single plant, but rather a group of coniferous trees and shrubs belonging to the genus Taxus. While there are several species, some of the most common include:

• Taxus baccata (English Yew): Native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. Known for its classic, formal appearance.
• Taxus cuspidata (Japanese Yew): Native to Japan, Korea, and Northeast China. Highly adaptable and popular for hedging.
• Taxus canadensis (Canadian Yew): A low-growing, spreading shrub native to North America.
• Taxus x media (Hybrid Yew): A cross between English and Japanese Yew, offering a range of cultivars with varying sizes and shapes.

Common name	Yew, English Yew, Common Yew
Botanical name	Taxus baccata
Family	Taxaceae
Genus	Taxus
Species	baccata, cuspidata, brevifolia,…
Origin	Europe, Northwest Africa, Southwest Asia
Life cycle	Perennial
Plant type	Tree, Shrub
Hardiness zone	2-9
Sunlight	Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
Maintenance	Low to Moderate
Water	Moderate
Drainage	Well-Drained
Spacing	3-20 ft
Flowering period	Spring
Height	1-100 ft
Growth rate	Slow to Moderate
Flower color	Yellowish
Stem color	Reddish-brown
Foliage color	Dark green
Seed color/Aril	Bright red
Garden style	Formal, Hedge, Topiary, Woodland
Uses	Hedge, Screen, Topiary, Specimen Plant
Toxicity	All parts except aril are highly toxic
Deer Resistance	Generally resistant, but may be browsed
Drought Tolerance	Moderate once established
Soil pH	Adaptable to a wide range
Air pollution Tolerance	Good

Key Characteristics of Yew:

Feature	Description
Growth Habit	Varies by species and cultivar; can be upright, spreading, or groundcover.
Foliage	Dark green, needle-like leaves, typically 1-3 cm long.
Bark	Reddish-brown, thin, and scaly.
Fruit (Aril)	Bright red, fleshy cup-like structure surrounding a single seed. The aril is the only non-toxic part of the plant.
Growth Rate	Generally slow to moderate, depending on species and conditions.
Lifespan	Can live for hundreds, even thousands, of years. The Fortingall Yew in Scotland is estimated to be between 2,000 and 5,000 years old.
Light Preference	Tolerates full sun to full shade, but generally prefers partial shade.
Soil Preference	Well-drained soil is essential. Adapts to a wide range of soil types, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Why Choose Yew for Your Garden?

Yews offer a multitude of benefits for gardeners:

• Evergreen Beauty: Provides year-round color and structure, even in winter.
• Versatility: Suitable for hedges, topiary, foundation plantings, specimen trees, and groundcovers.
• Shade Tolerance: Thrives in shady areas where many other plants struggle.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, yews require minimal pruning and care.
• Wildlife Value: The dense foliage provides shelter for birds and other small animals (although the plant itself is toxic to many animals if ingested).
• Longevity: An investment, that can add value and character to the gardens for generations.

2. Planting Yew (Taxus): A Step-by-Step Guide

Planting a yew correctly is crucial for its long-term health and success. Here’s a detailed guide:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Yew

• Consider your space: Select a yew species and cultivar that will fit the available space at maturity. Avoid planting large-growing varieties in small areas.
• Assess your light conditions: While yews tolerate shade, they will grow more densely in areas with at least some sunlight.
• Check your soil: Ensure your soil is well-drained. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
• Choose a healthy plant: Select a yew with vibrant green foliage and no signs of pests or diseases. Examine the root system – it should be well-developed but not root-bound.

Step 2: Timing and Location

• Best time to plant: Spring or fall are the ideal times to plant yews, allowing them to establish roots before extreme temperatures.
• Spacing: Space yews according to their mature size. For hedges, closer spacing is required than for specimen plants. A general guideline is to space them about half their mature width apart.
• Avoid windy locations: While established yews are relatively wind-tolerant, young plants can be damaged by strong winds.

Step 3: Preparing the Planting Hole

• Dig a hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
• Amend the soil (if necessary): If your soil is poor, mix in some compost or other organic matter with the excavated soil.
• Gently loosen the roots: If the yew is root-bound, gently loosen the roots around the edges of the root ball.

Step 4: Planting the Yew

• Position the plant: Place the yew in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
• Backfill the hole: Fill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the roots.
• Water thoroughly: Water the newly planted yew deeply to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

Step 5: Mulching and Aftercare

• Apply mulch: Add a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (such as wood chips or shredded bark) around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Water regularly: Water the yew regularly, especially during dry periods, for the first year or two after planting. Once established, yews are relatively drought-tolerant.
• Fertilizing (Optional): Yews generally do not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can be beneficial, especially for young plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
• Protecting from pests: Yew plants are susceptible to pests. According to a study published in the Journal of Arboriculture, the most common pest of yews is the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus). The Journal of Arboriculture details common yew pests and suggests treatment options.

3. Caring for Your Yew (Taxus): Maintaining Health and Beauty

Once established, yews are relatively low-maintenance plants. However, proper care will ensure their long-term health and beauty.

• Pruning: Yews tolerate pruning well and can be shaped into hedges, topiary, or other desired forms. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter.
• Pruning Techniques:
  • Heading cuts: Shorten branches to encourage bushier growth.
  • Thinning cuts: Remove entire branches to open up the plant and improve air circulation.
  • Shearing: Use hedge shears to create a formal, geometric shape.
• Watering: Established yews are relatively drought-tolerant, but they will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. Water deeply and less frequently, rather than shallowly and often.
• Fertilizing: As mentioned earlier, yews generally do not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your yews for signs of pests or diseases. Common pests include black vine weevils, scale insects, and spider mites. Diseases can include root rot (often caused by poorly drained soil) and needle blight. If you notice any problems, consult with a local arborist or extension service for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Gardencenterpoint.com can direct you to local experts.
• Winter Protection: In colder climates, young yews may benefit from winter protection, such as wrapping them with burlap or applying an anti-desiccant spray. This helps prevent winter burn, which can occur when the foliage loses moisture faster than the roots can replace it.

4. The Toxicity of Yew (Taxus): Understanding the Risks

It’s crucial to understand that all parts of the yew plant, except for the fleshy red aril, are highly toxic to humans and animals. The primary toxic compounds are taxine alkaloids, which can cause serious cardiac and respiratory problems.

• Symptoms of Yew Poisoning: Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and even death.
• Risk to Humans: Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to yew poisoning, as they may be tempted to eat the bright red arils or chew on the foliage.
• Risk to Animals: Yews are toxic to a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and sheep.
• If Poisoning is Suspected:
  • Contact emergency services immediately. Call your local poison control center or 911.
  • For animal poisoning, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.

5. Uses of Yew (Taxus) in Landscaping and Beyond

Yews are incredibly versatile plants with a wide range of applications in landscaping:

• Hedges: Yews are a classic choice for formal hedges, providing dense, evergreen privacy screens.
• Topiary: Their ability to tolerate heavy pruning makes them ideal for creating intricate topiary shapes.
• Foundation Plantings: Yews can be used to soften the lines of buildings and create a welcoming entrance.
• Specimen Trees: Certain yew cultivars can be grown as beautiful specimen trees, adding a focal point to the landscape.
• Groundcovers: Low-growing yew varieties can be used as groundcovers in shady areas.
• Wildlife Gardens: While the plant itself is toxic, the dense foliage provides shelter for birds and other small animals.

Beyond Landscaping:

• Medicinal Uses: While highly toxic, yew has also been used in traditional medicine. Notably, the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) is the source of paclitaxel (Taxol), a chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers. This should only be handled by trained professionals; do not attempt to self-medicate with yew. According to the National Cancer Institute, paclitaxel is effective in treating ovarian, breast, lung, and other cancers.
• Woodworking: Yew wood is strong, durable, and has a beautiful grain. It has been used for centuries to make bows, furniture, and other objects.

6. Exploring Different Yew (Taxus) Cultivars

There are numerous yew cultivars available, offering a wide range of sizes, shapes, and growth habits. Here are a few popular examples:

Cultivar	Species/Hybrid	Growth Habit	Mature Size (H x W)	Notes
‘Hicksii’	Taxus x media	Upright, columnar	10-12 ft x 3-4 ft	Popular choice for hedges.
‘Densiformis’	Taxus x media	Spreading	4-5 ft x 6-8 ft	Good for foundation plantings and low hedges.
‘Repandens’	Taxus baccata	Spreading	2-4 ft x 8-12 ft	Excellent groundcover for shady areas.
‘Capitata’	Taxus cuspidata	Upright, pyramidal	15-25 ft x 8-12 ft	Can be used as a specimen tree or for tall hedges.
‘Tauntonii’	Taxus x media	low, compact	3-4′ x 4-6′	Resistant to winter burn.
‘Everlow’	Taxus x media	low, spreading	1-2’ X 3-4’	Ideal for low hedges.
‘Flushing’	Taxus baccata	Narrow, Columnar	8′ x 1′	Very narrow and upright. Good for limited spaces.

7. Yew (Taxus) and Sustainability

While yews are not typically considered “fast-growing,” their longevity and low maintenance requirements make them a relatively sustainable choice for landscaping. They require minimal watering once established, and their dense foliage helps to reduce soil erosion. However, it’s important to consider the potential environmental impact of using pesticides or herbicides on yews, as these can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife. Choosing pest-resistant cultivars and practicing integrated pest management (IPM) can help minimize the need for chemical controls.

8. Finding Yew (Taxus) Near You

Gardencenterpoint.com is dedicated to connecting gardeners with the best local resources. We’re not a retailer, but rather a hub that helps you find reputable garden centers and nurseries in your area that carry a wide selection of yew (Taxus) plants. We also provide links to online retailers that offer yews for sale, ensuring you can find the perfect plants for your needs, often at competitive prices. We strive to show where yew is available, at the best pricing.

9. Frequently Asked Questions about Yew (Taxus)

• Q: Are yew berries edible?
  • A: The red fleshy part (aril) of the yew berry is the only part of the plant that is not toxic. However, the seed inside the aril is highly toxic. It is strongly recommended that you do not eat any part of the yew plant.
• Q: How fast do yews grow?
  • A: Yews are generally slow to moderate growers. Growth rate depends on the species, cultivar, and growing conditions.
• Q: Can yews grow in full sun?
  • A: Yews can tolerate full sun, but they generally prefer partial shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade is especially beneficial.
• Q: Are yews deer-resistant?
  • A: Yews are not considered highly deer-resistant. Deer may browse on yews, especially in winter when other food sources are scarce.
• Q: Can yews be grown in containers?
  • A: Yes, yews can be grown in containers. Choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the root system and has good drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix and water regularly.
• Q: What is the oldest known yew tree?
  • A: Several yew trees are estimated to be thousands of years old. The Fortingall Yew in Scotland is thought to be among the oldest, with estimates ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 years.