Yew Taxus

Yews are evergreen shrubs or trees in the yew family (Taxaceae) with alternately arranged needles and axillary, red, fleshy cones that nearly surrounding the seed. They are native to a wide area of eastern North America, western North America (including Alaska), Europe, and central and eastern Asia, with outliers in Mexico and Central America, Florida, North Africa, Sumatra and islands of Malesia. They are not native to South America or Australia.

Yews are dioecious conifers. Male plants produce small, pollen-producing cones. Female plants produce single-seeded, fleshy cones that develop into naked seeds partially covered by showy red arils. The aril is a fleshy outgrowth of the stalk that bears the seed. The seed+aril resembles a berry. Birds eat the arils and disperse the seeds. A male needs to be planted nearby for fertilization and production of the arils. 

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 languish in the mild winter.

Yews can withstand heavy pruning and are used as a foundation plants, hedges, topiaries, screens, and shrubs. Regular annual pruning will help keep the desired shape and density. Protect from strong winds that over a period of time can push the plant out of the desired shape. 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.