Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12', 12-25'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Fall, Persistent

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Poisonous

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Wind Break, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Irish Yew is an evergreen grown as either a tree or shrub, depending upon the size that it is kept. It grows 15 to 30 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide, though it will do so slowly. Usually used as a hedge or screen, it makes a bold vertical statement. Needles are dark green above, streaked with dull green and narrow shining midrib below. Generally it is female, but male flowers appear on isolated branches.

Best grown in evenly moist, fertile, sandy-loam to clay-loam soils with excellent drainage in part to full shade. Tolerant of considerable pruning, though if pruned selectively, rather than sheared will preserve its natural form, reduce future pruning work, and allow you to enjoy the bright breen new foliage. Synonymous with T. b. 'Fastigiata.'