Yew

Taxus × media

Yews are the classic foundation evergreen — dense, dark green, and tolerant of heavy shearing. They're one of the few evergreens that thrive in shade. 'Hicksii' is a popular upright columnar form; 'Densiformis' is a low spreader. They take any shape you want and recover from hard pruning. Bright red berries in fall (note: all parts are toxic).

Hardiness Zones

4-7

Sunlight

Partial Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Maintenance

Moderate

Mature Size

3-20 ft H × 3-15 ft W

Growth Rate

Slow

Bloom Season

Non-flowering (evergreen), red berries

Bloom Color

Dark green needles, bright red berries

Care Guide

Plant in well-drained soil — they absolutely cannot tolerate wet feet (root rot = death). Sun to full shade. Prune anytime. Can be cut back severely and will regenerate from old wood. Feed in spring. All parts are toxic to humans and pets. Excellent for formal hedges and topiary.