The yew is an evergreen coniferous tree that is widespread primarily in Europe but also in North Africa. It is very popular to grow in gardens or containers as it becomes completely easy to care for after a while. A small profile of the yew tree.
What is a profile of the yew tree?
The yew (Taxus baccata) is an evergreen coniferous tree from the yew family with around 80 species. It is widespread in Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor, grows up to 15 meters high and over 1.000 years old. Yew trees are highly poisonous and are well suited as hedge plants or topiaries.
The Yew – A Profile
- Botanical name: Taxus baccata
- Family: Yew family
- Genus: Conifers
- Species: approx. 80 species
- Distribution: Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor
- Reproduction: segregated
- Location: shady areas, partial shade, sunny areas, calcareous, moist without waterlogging
- Age: 1,000 years and more
- Height: up to 15 meters
- Wood: very hard but flexible
- Fertile from: 20 to 30 years
- Flowering time: March to April
- Fruits: small, red berry-like fruits
- Fruit ripeness: autumn
- Needles: rounded, flexible
- Color of the needles: dark green, underside lighter
- Former use: In the Middle Ages, weapon making, medicine
- Today's use: ornamental tree, hedge plant, topiary
- Toxicity: highly toxic (taxin) in almost all parts of the plant
Old yew trees are resistant to drought and cold
Yews are among the most robust native conifers. They form a dense root system with which they can support themselves even in times of drought.
You have to water a young, freshly planted yew tree during dry periods in the first few years because the roots have not yet developed sufficiently. Fertilizing is only necessary in the early years.
The yew tree is highly poisonous
The yew is a highly poisonous tree. If parts of the yew tree are eaten, there is a risk to life. All parts, except the pulp, contain the dangerous taxin. Not only people can get poisoned, but also animals, especially horses.
Birds like to eat the fruits that ripen in autumn, but excrete the seeds undigested. In this way they ensure the spread of the tree without poisoning themselves.
When cutting and caring for yew trees, hands and face should be protected from contact with the needles.
Using the yew tree in the garden
Yew trees are particularly popular as hedge plants and topiaries because of their tolerance to pruning. The tree can be cut into almost any shape - from a ball to an animal shape.
Tip
Yew trees are threatened with extinction in the wild and are on the “Red List”. Therefore, buy yew trees from specialist stores or propagate them yourself using cuttings or fruits.
