Long-lived native evergreen with very dark needle-like foliage and bright red fleshy arils in autumn. Some specimens are among the oldest living things in Britain.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 6–9 | −23.3 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H6 | −20 °C to −15 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 6–8 | −18 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–6 | −10 °C to 15 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
About English yew
Yew is the longest-lived tree in northern Europe, with churchyard specimens plausibly older than the churches beside them, and it has an unusual ability among conifers to resprout from old bare wood — which is precisely why it can be clipped hard into hedges and topiary. Nearly all of the plant is highly toxic, including the seed, though the fleshy red aril around the seed is the one exception. Its timber was the material of the traditional English longbow, valued for the combination of springy sapwood and compression-resistant heartwood.
Growing notes
- Dense evergreen foliage provides critical winter shelter for roosting small birds
- Some ancient specimens in churchyards are documented at well over 1,000 years old
- Tolerates deep shade and responds well to hard clipping — the classic English topiary plant
Pet caution: English yew is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
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