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Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata' (f)

Irish yew

A large, bushy, upright evergreen shrub, columnar when young, later broader, with erect shoots bearing radially arranged, dark green leaves

Other common names
blue John
court yew
see moreFlorence Court yew
Synonyms
Taxus baccata 'Hibernica'
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Red
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Taxaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Toxic if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Taxus are small evergreen trees or large shrubs of rounded habit, with dense, linear leaves, insignificant flowers and, on female plants, conspicuous fleshy red arils surrounding the solitary seeds

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil. Tolerant of exposure and urban pollution

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

No regular pruning necessary, but can be trimmed and shaped when required

Pests

May be susceptible to tortrix moth, vine weevil, gall mites and scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to phytophthora root diseases and honey fungus (rarely)

Get involved

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