TAXUS baccata

Common name: Common Yew

Family: Taxaceae

Origin: Europe

Description: The common Yew is well known for its wide range of uses as noted below. the dark evergreen leaves are like flat needles arranged on each side of the stem

Uses: Good also for use as a specimen topiary plant which can be shaped into cones, balls or various other trimmed shapes

Climate/Position: Will grow in full sun and deeper shade

Height/Spread: Will slowly increase in size over time

Soil Requirements: Tolerant of most soils except heavy wet conditions so ensure area is well dug and any deep 'pan' or hard base to the planting hole is relieved

Pruning: Annual pruning in late summer and again in late spring for a fine finish. Old plants of Taxus respond incredibly well to very hard pruning and even ancient plants can be regenerated

Special Requirements: Can be purchased in pots, or through the winter they are available as root balled plants. The difference is that the plant has been grown in the field and lifted with field soil. It is often thought that this enables better establishment as the roots are not moving from compost to soil. Root balled plants provide good value for mature plants

Additional Interest: Are some of the oldest plant examples in the UK and is mostly associated with old churchyards