English Yew
Taxus baccata
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kriti, Krym, Morocco, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine
Didier Descouens
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Taxaceae
- Genus:
- Taxus
- Species:
- Taxus baccata
- USDA Symbol:
- TABA80
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 2000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
common eupithecia (Eupithecia miserulata)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers sheltered locations with good airflow
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 120–180 days
- Germination Time:
- 365–730 days
- Notes:
- Seeds exhibit deep dormancy requiring warm stratification followed by cold stratification; germination may take 1-2 years. Fresh seed germinates more readily.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C for 3 months, then place @ 4C for 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed). | GA3 improves germination.