Taxus Baccata – English Yew

Taxus baccata, commonly known as English Yew, is one of only three native British conifers and one of the most recognisable trees in the UK. With its dense, dark blackish-green foliage and shaggy red-brown bark, it is a classic feature of woodlands, gardens, and churchyards.

Extremely long-lived — with some specimens estimated to be over 2,000 years old — yew is arguably the finest hedging plant available. Its dense growth makes it ideal for formal hedges and topiary, while its tolerance of shade and pollution ensures wide landscape suitability.

This is the size and type we sell:

Taxus baccata English Yew 15–30cm Cell Grown

Taxus baccata English Yew 20–40cm Cell Grown

Professionally grown and suitable for hedging, topiary, specimen planting, and woodland schemes.

Features & Benefits

Native British evergreen conifer

Extremely dense growth habit – ideal for hedging

Tolerant of shade, pollution, and coastal exposure

Exceptionally long-lived species

Suitable for formal topiary and shaping

Excellent wildlife shelter and food source

Applications

Formal hedging (arguably the best hedging species)

Topiary and garden design

Woodland and parkland planting

Specimen tree

Avenue planting in large landscapes

Height & Spread (Approximate)

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming suitable site conditions:

After 10 years: 2.5m height x 1m spread

After 20 years: 5m height x 1.5m spread

Ultimate height as a tree can exceed 20m.

Planting

Can be grown into a tree or planted as a formal hedge.

For hedging:

Plant in a straight line

Recommended density: 4 plants per metre

When planting in quantity, both male and female trees are likely to be represented.

Aftercare

Hedges and topiary should be trimmed once a year in summer.

Older specimens or hedging that has lost its shape can be hard-pruned in late winter. For best results, cut back half the plant one year, allow regrowth, then complete pruning the following year.

Ensure heavily pruned plants are well fed and watered after cutting.

Botanical Name | Taxus baccata

Common Name | English Yew

Plant Type | Evergreen conifer

Growth Rate | Slow to moderate (faster when young)

Mature Height | Up to 20m+ (as a tree)

Mature Spread | Up to 10m (as a tree)

Soil Type | Well-drained soils; tolerates acid sands and chalk; avoid very wet soils

Aspect | Full sun to deep shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy; tolerant of pollution and coastal exposure

Plant Size & Type | 15–30cm Cell Grown; 20–40cm Cell Grown

Maintenance | Responds well to trimming and shaping

Toxicity | Leaves, wood and seeds are poisonous (aril flesh not toxic)

Wildlife Value | Provides shelter for birds and insects; arils eaten by thrushes, fieldfares and waxwings