Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, full sun
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back

Soil

Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Yew, Taxus baccata, is a native British evergreen tree. Young plants are bushy and make a fine hedge or topiary specimen, but, if left unclipped they eventually grow into a large conifer tree. Yew withstands quite hard clipping and, if overgrown, can be rejuvenated by cutting back to the stumps. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

How to grow yew

Grow yew in moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade. To propagate, take cuttings in late summer and early autumn. Trim hedges annually to maintain a good shape. Yew trees require little pruning.

More on growing yew:

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Pruneyesyes

Taxus and wildlife

Taxus is known for attracting birds. It provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is not known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Taxus poisonous?

Taxus irritates skin. Its foliage and fruit are toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
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