Common yew (Taxus baccata)

Also known as: Yew

The European yew (Taxus baccata) is a medium-sized evergreen tree known for its toxicity; nearly every part of the tree is poisonous and can be fatal if ingested. This species is indigenous to Europe, regions of Africa, Iran, and southwest Asia. Historically, the durable wood of the European yew was utilized in crafting English longbows, which were significant in medieval warfare.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common yew

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

10 m to 20 m

Spread

6 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow

Flower Size

3 mm to 6 mm

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of Common yew

Quickly Identify Common yew

Needle-like leaves, 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-3.8 cm) long, with yellowish-green undersides.

Male cones yellowish, female arils red; no traditional flowers present.

Bright red arils encasing toxic seed, visually striking against green.

Linear leaves in pairs on the stem, shiny dark green upper surface.

Rugged reddish-brown bark with scaly texture, revealing lighter underbark over time.

Scientific Classification of Common yew

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Conifers

Order

Pines and allies

Family

Yew

Genus

Yews

Species

Common yew

Planting and Growing of Common yew

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Ceramic, Plastic

How to Water Common yew?

When watering Taxus baccata, aim to provide around 500 milliliters each time. The soil should be evenly moist, but not waterlogged, ensuring that the water permeates the soil without pooling.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common yew?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: Two to five hours

Taxus baccata thrives under two to five hours of afternoon shade or filtered sunlight. Ideal light conditions ensure robust growth, rich foliage color, and improved disease resistance, promoting overall plant vitality.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common yew?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Taxus baccata, commonly known as the English Yew, ideally grows in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range provides optimal conditions for its physiological processes, ensuring healthy growth and foliage development. Maintaining this temperature helps the plant efficiently photosynthesize and metabolize nutrients.

What Soil is Best for Common yew?

Soil type: Loam, Clay soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Taxus baccata thrives in well-drained soil which prevents waterlogging and subsequent root rot. Ensuring good drainage improves aeration in the soil, providing the roots with enough oxygen for optimal growth and health. This plant benefits from fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Nutrient-rich soil enhances the growth rate and vigor of the taxus, supporting robust foliage and vitality. While well-drained, the soil should retain moderate moisture to prevent extreme dryness. This balance prevents stress from drought conditions, ensuring the yew remains lush and healthy. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Common yew?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Taxus baccata, fertilization should be done conservatively as it is a slow-growing plant. Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, and apply approximately 450 grams per mature plant per year. Ensure to adjust the amount depending on plant age and growth setting.

How to Prune Common yew?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by identifying any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and remove them. Look for branches that disrupt the plant’s natural shape or are growing inward and cut them back to maintain an appealing form. Cut branches back to the point just above a bud or a lateral branch. This encourages the plant to form new, healthier growth. Ensure your cuts are clean and at a slight angle to prevent water accumulation that can lead to rot. After addressing the structural pruning, focus on maintaining the overall shape of the Taxus baccata. Prune the tips of the plant to encourage fuller growth, aiming to create a slight taper from base to top for even light distribution. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Common yew plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late winter

Collect Taxus baccata seeds from mature cones in late autumn. Ensure the seeds are fully developed and separate them from the fruit pulp before storing in a cool, dry place until sowing.

Cut healthy, non-flowering stems of about 10-15 cm in length during early spring. Remove the lower leaves to reduce moisture loss and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to enhance root development.

Sow the prepared seeds in seed trays filled with well-draining soil in late winter. Maintain consistent moisture by covering the trays with clear plastic or glass, and keep them at a temperature of 15-20°C to aid germination.

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How to Repot Common yew plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Look for signs like roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant becoming pot-bound with minimal soil visible. This indicates it's time for fresh accommodations to promote healthy growth!

Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with excellent drainage holes. This prevents waterlogging, which is crucial for avoiding root rot in Taxus baccata.

Opt for a well-draining, sandy loam soil mix. This composition ensures adequate drainage while providing sufficient nutrients, emulating their natural habitat conditions and promoting robust growth.

Toxicity of Common yew

Is Common yew toxic to humans?

The common yew presents a significant toxicity threat to humans if ingested. Each component of the plant, including its leaves, seeds, and bark, harbors harmful compounds like taxine-derived alkaloids, taxane-derived substances, and glycosides. When consumed, even in minimal quantities, these compounds can interfere with the body’s cardiac and nervous functions. Poisoning symptoms occur rapidly and may include challenges in breathing, muscle tremors, vomiting, convulsions, and potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmia. Given its high level of toxicity, unintentional consumption of any part of the common yew could result in serious health issues, highlighting the utmost importance of exercising caution around this plant.

Is Common yew toxic to cat?

The common yew (Taxus baccata) is notorious for its highly lethal toxicity, found in all parts of the plant, but particularly concentrated in its vibrant red berries. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as muscle tremors, seizures, and potentially fatal cardiac failure. Urgent veterinary intervention is essential to manage the symptoms and avert a tragic outcome.

Is Common yew toxic to dog?

The common yew is regarded as one of the most poisonous plants globally, making it essential to ensure your dog stays far away from it. Every part of this plant is highly toxic. Signs of ingestion may include tremors, respiratory difficulties, vomiting, seizures, and potentially fatal acute heart failure. If you believe your pet has ingested common yew, contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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