European Yew
taxus baccata
Also known as: ["Common Yew","English Yew"]
Overview
An evergreen conifer with dark green needles and bright red, fleshy arils that enclose the seed.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","deer resistant","cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Taxaceae |
| Genus: | Taxus |
| Botanical Name: | Taxus baccata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered location, or as a container plant in a large pot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−20–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. A mix of peat, sand, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun, protected from harsh afternoon sun).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near an east-facing window or with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun; adjust shade as seasons change.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and reduce watering in winter dormancy.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; maintain slightly acidic soil; amend with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–7, tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 80°F (-29°C to 27°C). Prefers cool roots and moderate temperatures.
Protect from extreme cold; water deeply before frost; provide shade in summer heat.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize in spring only; use a balanced formula; avoid over-fertilizing young plants.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer or layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; late spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 8–12 weeks; layering can take 6–12 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open up the canopy, heading cuts to encourage bushiness, and selective removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant to maintain form, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage denser growth.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove the plant carefully, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 3–4 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Young plants may need repotting more frequently.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add organic matter like compost or peat moss to improve structure and drainage. Incorporate sand or perlite for better aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (brown edges) in excessive heat, needle drop or browning in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown, and growth can slow or stop. Young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots. Protect young plants with burlap screens in winter. Avoid watering before freezing temperatures.
Hot Stress
Needles may wilt, turn yellow, or drop. Growth may slow, and the plant may become stressed in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation to reduce stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring; use balanced formula; water before and after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a light dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer after pruning. Avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicTaxus baccata is highly toxic to cats, with the alkaloids causing severe cardiac and neurological damage. Cats are particularly sensitive to the cardiotoxic effects, which can rapidly lead to fatal outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe toxic alkaloids in Taxus baccata are highly dangerous to dogs, causing severe cardiac and neurological effects. Even small amounts can lead to life-threatening conditions, including cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and death.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicTaxus baccata, commonly known as English yew, contains toxic alkaloids, primarily taxine, which can cause severe cardiovascular and neurological effects. Ingestion can lead to cardiac failure, respiratory distress, and potentially fatal outcomes due to the potent cardiotoxic properties of the plant compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Taxus baccata toxic to humans?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are highly toxic to humans, except for the fleshy aril surrounding the seed.
Q: Can Taxus baccata be grown in shade?
A: Yes, it is shade tolerant and can thrive in partial to full shade conditions.
Q: How fast does Taxus baccata grow?
A: It is a slow-growing tree, typically adding only 15-25 cm in height per year.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Taxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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