English Yew

English yew is a slow-growing, long-lived evergreen conifer with dense dark-green needles and a naturally conical to pyramidal outline. It can grow in full sun, partial shade, or full shade, and its mature size makes it best suited to a spacious garden or a planned hedge. Female plants may develop red arils when pollinated. ## Landscape Use Use this species for formal hedges, privacy screens, borders, foundation plantings, accents, and topiary. It tolerates pruning well and can be shaped over time. The red arils are attractive to birds, although the plant’s seeds and foliage are poisonous if eaten. ## Site English yew prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil; it grows in loam and sand and also tolerates chalk and clay. North Carolina Extension gives mature dimensions of 30–60 feet tall by 15–25 feet wide and USDA hardiness zones 6a–7b. Avoid waterlogged sites. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and during prolonged dry spells. Prune to shape in late winter or early spring, and remove clippings safely because the foliage and seeds are toxic to people and animals. [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/taxus-baccata/common-name/english-yew/) · [RHS Taxus baccata Profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18001/taxus-baccata/details)