English Yew

English Yew (Taxus baccata) is one of Britain’s most ancient and long-lived trees — with specimens known to live for thousands of years. In the garden it’s prized as a formal hedge, topiary subject, and dense evergreen screen, responding exceptionally well to clipping and maintaining dark, rich green foliage year-round. Slow-growing but exceptionally long-lived, a yew hedge is a permanent investment in structure and privacy.

• Species — Taxus baccata (Common / English Yew), seeds
• Use — formal hedging, topiary, privacy screen, specimen tree, woodland understory
• Growing conditions — full sun to deep shade; adaptable to most well-drained soils; zones 5–7
• Important note — all parts of the English Yew except the red aril (berry flesh) are toxic to humans and livestock; plant accordingly
• Germination — requires cold stratification; slow but reliable with patience