Yew Tree (Taxus baccata)

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Plantoscan ·

Yew Tree Plant Care

Taxus baccata Thunb.

Taxus baccata is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with compact growth habit. It has dark green needles and produces red berries in the fall

🌳Trees🌲Conifers🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect

Temp

10–90°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Is the Yew Tree?

Yew Tree (Taxus baccata) belongs to the Taxaceae family within the Taxus genus. Yew Tree is native to Western, central, and southern Europe, parts of western Asia, Turkey, Caucasus region. Yew Tree is also known as English Yew, European Yew, Common Yew.

Yew Tree displays a slow growing, compact growth habit, reaching up to 40 inches tall with a spread of approximately 20 inches. Yew Tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are yellowish-green in color and appear on separate male and female trees, with the male flowers forming in clusters and the female flowers developing into fleshy red arils surrounding the seeds.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Yew Tree?

Taxus baccata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Yew Tree Need?

Yew Tree thrives in bright indirect light conditions. The optimal light range is 100–1000 lux. Avoid placing Yew Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect

100–1000 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Yew Tree Prefer?

Taxus baccata grows best at temperatures between 10°F and 90°F. Yew Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

10–90°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Yew Tree?

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Yew Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Do You Repot a Yew Tree?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Yew Tree?

Yew Tree can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seed propagation.

Fertilizing

Every 1 month

During the growing season

Is the Yew Tree Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic to Pets & Children

Toxic to humans, cats and dogs

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Yew Tree?

Yew Tree is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Yew Tree Need?

Yew Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 7b. Native to Western, central, and southern Europe, parts of western Asia, Turkey, Caucasus region, Yew Tree is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Yew Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 6a – 7b

Keep exploring plants

Yew Tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Taxus genus — compare its care with other Taxus species on PlantoScan.

Yew Tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

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