Western Yew Taxus

An evergreen shrub with alternating foliage seed axillary, and red, fleshy berries that nearly surrounding the green seed. Female selections are desired for their red "berries" (aril) with their contrast with deep green foliage.  A great food source for birds in the winter months. A male needs to be planted nearby for fertilization and production of the arils. 

It can withstand heavy pruning and utilized as a foundation plant, hedges, topiaries, screens, and undergrowth shrubs.  In hardiness zones 4 and lower, the foliage can burn or turn brown in the winter months.  When planted in warmer climates above zone 8 the plant can melt out in the winter.  These conditions will improve in springtime, which will coincide with the male shedding pollen from its flowers.

Regular annual pruning will help keep the desired shape as well as allow the plant to achieve a dense carpet of needles.  The optimum planting location includes part sun and part shade.  Too much shade will decrease the growth rate, while too much sun can result in the plant drying out.  This is especially crucial with young plants.

It will grow in most soils, however the proper pH is important.  A slightly acid soil is preferred, while soils high in acid will not provide optimum growing conditions.  

This plant has poison characteristics, see below.

Quick ID

• Shrubs with spirally-arranged, short, green linear leaves with two flat rows of needles
• Female plants with red arils

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

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Root rot, brown scale and other fungal diseases can occur when proper drainage is not provided.  Insects such as lice, mites and black vine weevil can cause issues.

Protect from strong winds that over a period of time can cause the plant to become out of the desired shape.