Yew

Common Name

Yew

Latin Name

Taxus baccata

Status

Native and introduced.

Distribution

Considered native on Carboniferous and Magnesian Limestone sites although may have had a wider natural distribution. Widespread as a planted tree.

Habitats

Deciduous woodlands and scrub in limestone scars and coastal denes, and as a specimen tree in churchyards, parks and gardens.

Requirements

Strongly associated with calcareous soils though tolerant of a broader range. Shade tolerant.

Recommendations

Slow growing evergreen tree suitable for planting as an ornamental species in formal landscapes or as a component of woodland and scrub on calcareous soils.

Origins/Provenance

Has been widely planted in the past although also wild populations also present. Dispersed widely by birds. Use plants of local provenance or FC seed zones 302 and 204.