Plant Type

Conifer, Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12', 12-25'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green, Light Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full, Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Poisonous

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

n/a

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Park, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Topiary

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

The evergreen yews in this species tend to up generally upright and spreading, becoming wider than they are tall. Heights range from a couple of feet to 10 or 20 feet, though they are slow growing. New growth is a bright yellow-green, with the growth being very soft. Otherwise, the foliage is a dark, lustrous green. Flowers are inconspicuous, but the following fruit is very red.

It's a shame, but most folks who plant yews never get to enjoy it's beautiful, soft, bright yellow-green spring foliage because they are forever shearing or hedging the poor things. Select the right yew for the space, and prune it selectively in late winter, and you will find you spend a lot less time pruning. See the how-to's. Yews are not drought tolerant, really, but generally manage quite well on considerably less water than is usually offered. Plant so it receives morning sun or full shade, in good, well draining soil.