Foundation Yew Taxus x media

This species is an artificial hybrid between the English Yew (Taxus baccata), which has ornamental value, and the Japanese yew (T. cuspidata), which is winter hardy. Hybridization is said to have been accomplished in the early 1900's by T.D. Hatfield, a horticulturalist from Massachusetts. This hybrid designation encompasses a variety of shrubby, columnar, or spreading growth forms. Numerous named cultivars are available.

Among  the most common evergreen landscape shrubs, these grow best in well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. These yews prefer sandy or loamy soils and do not tolerate wet conditions. They are drought tolerant. Plant these shrubs in areas that provide protection from winter exposure. Most varieties do well in urban conditions. Their height, which varies by cultivar, can be managed by pruning. They will tolerate even the most severe pruning, and do well with being shaped into topiary or hedges. Individuals vary in height from 2 feet to 20 feet, and in width from 2 feet to 12 feet. 

The female plants produce single-seeded cones. If a male plant is nearby and produces pollen, the fertilized female cone will develop into a red, fleshy, cup-like aril that partially surrounds a seed. Birds eat the aril and disperse the seed.

Use these shrubs as foundation plants, hedges, topiaries, screens, and undergrowth shrubs. They also work well as individual specimens in lawn or patio plantings or along walkways.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Failure to provide proper drainage can lead to root rot. Needle and twig blight can affect the health of the plant. Scale, mealybugs and weevils can be an occasional problem.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Taxus.