This large tree has a red brown trunk up to 4m (13ft) in diameter and spreading horizontal branches that form a broad conical crown. It has flat needle-like dark green leaves and the yellow male flowers appear during spring followed by reddish cones.

Hardiness zones 5 to 10

Taxus baccatais naturally found from Europe to north Africa, Iran and Algeria growing in deep moist alkaline (chalky) soils, but tolerates acidic soils. It grows in an open sunny to semi shade position and is drought tender but frost and pollution tollerant.

Common Yew is a long-lived tree that is grown for its attractive foliage and habit. It is planted in parks and large gardens as a lawn specimen or in groups to form a clipped hedge or as a topiary subject. It establishes in 5 to 7 years, preferring limestone based soil. Care when planting the species as the roots can damage pipes. ID 1711

Note:
It is slow growing, approximately 20cm (8in) per year but is very long lived; up to 1,500 years old and during which time it forms a trunk that is normally hollow. The bark is fluted and scaly shedding in strips, reddish in the fissures and grey brown on the ridges. The image of the tree in this database was planted in 1645 and grows at the Oxford Botanical gardens UK.

Its fine-grained timber is strong, hard and elastic and was used to manufacture long bows, but is also excellent for fencing, furniture or turning. It is distinguished from true conifers by its fruit, which contains a single seed and is surrounded by a fleshy aril.

Taxus(TAKS-us) baccata(bah-KAH-ta)

Taxaceae
Yew Family