Common Yew
Taxus baccata
Also listed as Taxus fastigiata, Taxus recurvata
Also known as Yew, European Yew, English Yew
Climate Match for your location
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A slow-growing evergreen conifer with dark green needle-like foliage and distinctive bright red, berry-like arils in fall. All parts are toxic, making it unsuitable for homes with children or pets.
Why grow it
Common yew offers exceptional longevity and formal structure in temperate landscapes where slow growth is an asset rather than a limitation. Its dense, dark foliage and tolerance of heavy pruning make it valuable for hedging and topiary where faster-growing alternatives may prove difficult to maintain. The plant thrives in partial shade to full sun and adapts to a range of soils, though it prefers well-drained conditions.
Watch out for
Yew requires consistent moisture during establishment but is prone to root rot if grown in waterlogged soil, particularly in heavy clay. The dense canopy can reduce air circulation around the base, creating conditions favorable to fungal issues in humid climates. Pruning can be slow to show results given the plant's growth rate, so patience is essential when shaping or rejuvenating established specimens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Taxaceae
Native Range
Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Seasonality
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Taxus baccata 'Stricta' is a cultivar of Taxus baccata. This narrow, columnar selection stays upright rather than spreading into the broad form typical of the species.
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A slow-growing evergreen conifer with dark green needle-like foliage and distinctive bright red, berry-like arils in fall. All parts are toxic, making it unsuitable for homes with children or pets.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Yew grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Common yew offers exceptional longevity and formal structure in temperate landscapes where slow growth is an asset rather than a limitation. Its dense, dark foliage and tolerance of heavy pruning make it valuable for hedging and topiary where faster-growing alternatives may prove difficult to maintain. The plant thrives in partial shade to full sun and adapts to a range of soils, though it prefers well-drained conditions.
Watch out for
Yew requires consistent moisture during establishment but is prone to root rot if grown in waterlogged soil, particularly in heavy clay. The dense canopy can reduce air circulation around the base, creating conditions favorable to fungal issues in humid climates. Pruning can be slow to show results given the plant's growth rate, so patience is essential when shaping or rejuvenating established specimens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Taxaceae
Native Range
Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Seasonality
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Taxus baccata 'Stricta' is a cultivar of Taxus baccata. This narrow, columnar selection stays upright rather than spreading into the broad form typical of the species.