Conifer
Common yew
Taxus baccata
A very long-lived evergreen conifer with dense dark foliage that tolerates shade and regular clipping. Untrimmed plants can become large trees, and foliage or seeds must never be eaten.
- Size
- 10–20 m high · 8–12 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade / Full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Very hardy
- Seasonal form
- Evergreen
- Maintenance
- Low
Before planting
- Allow for a large, broad tree unless you choose a smaller cultivar or commit to regular clipping.
- Prevent children, pets and livestock from eating foliage or seeds, and keep all prunings out of reach.
Why choose it
- Provides dense evergreen structure in sun or deep shade.
- Responds well to clipping for hedges and formal shapes while also making a long-lived specimen tree.
Care
- Water regularly while the roots establish, then during prolonged dry periods.
- Clip hedges as needed or prune lightly to retain a natural specimen form.
- Collect prunings promptly and dispose of them safely.
Good to know
- The red fleshy aril surrounds a toxic seed and does not make the plant edible.