Taxus baccata

Common Name: English Yew

Description:
Taxus baccata, commonly known as English Yew, is a long-lived, slow-growing evergreen conifer with dense, dark green needle-like foliage and a naturally conical shape. This highly versatile tree can be grown as a stately specimen, an elegant hedge, or even shaped into intricate topiary. Female trees produce bright red, berry-like arils that contrast beautifully against the dark green foliage and attract birds. English Yew thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate full sun, part shade, and even deep shade, making it one of the most adaptable conifers. It is highly resistant to pruning and can live for centuries, making it a timeless addition to formal and natural landscapes in Melbourne’s climate.

Form:

• Tree - Medium
• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Topiary

Mature Size:

• Height: 10–20 m
• Width: 4–6 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade
• Full Shade

Flowering:

• Does not flower (produces seed cones with red arils on female trees)

Flower Colour:

• N/A

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Hedging
• Suitable for Topiary
• Suitable for Screening
• Disease Resistant
• Drought Tolerant (once established)
• Cold Hardy
• Wind Tolerant
• Long-Lived

Toxicity:

• Highly toxic to humans and pets if ingested (leaves, seeds, and bark contain toxic alkaloids)

Companion Plants:

• Buxus sempervirens (English Box)
• Ilex aquifolium (Holly)
• Lavandula (Lavender)
• Fagus sylvatica (European Beech)
• Liriope muscari (Lilyturf)