Yew

Taxus baccata

tree

A slow-growing, long-lived evergreen conifer with dark green needle-like foliage and distinctive bright red berry-like arils. Yews are extremely hardy and shade-tolerant, making them excellent for hedging, topiary, and formal gardens. All parts of the plant except the red aril are highly toxic and should be handled with care.

Yew

Common Problems

Select the problem your Yew is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

Care Guide

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Light
Full shade to partial sun; tolerates deep shade better than most conifers
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Water
Moderate water needs once established; drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture in first 2 years
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Soil
Well-draining, fertile soil; tolerates chalk, clay, and acidic soils
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Fertiliser
Minimal fertilizer needed; apply balanced fertilizer in spring for young trees
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Temperature
Hardy to extremely cold temperatures; no heat stress concerns
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Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity; established trees are quite resilient

Toxicity

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All parts except the red aril are toxic; contains taxine alkaloids which affect the heart

Common Diseases

Common Pests

Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Yew Care Guide — Taxus baccata | GreenScout