Taxaceae
European Yew: Air Purifying Plant
Taxus baccata
The European Yew is a robust and adaptable shrub that tolerates shade and frequent pruning well, making it ideal for hedges and topiary forms.
Every 10 days
Partial shade
-25° - 35°C
40% - 80%
Categories
What is European Yew?
European Yew (Taxus baccata) is a medium-care plant from the Taxaceae family. Taxus baccata, commonly known as the European Yew, is a conifer native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. It is renowned for its extraordinary longevity, with some specimens living for over 2000 years. It has soft, dark green, needle-like leaves and produces seeds surrounded by a fleshy re...
European Yew grows up to 20.0m, spread of 1000cm, watering every 10 days, -25°C â 35°C, 40â80% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for European Yew?
TLDR: European Yew needs Partial shade, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -25-35°C with 40-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water European Yew?
Water moderately, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering during winter.
How Much Light Does European Yew Need?
Although it prefers partially shaded locations, it adapts well to full sun or dense shade, making it very versatile.
What Is the Best Soil for European Yew?
It prefers fertile, well-drained soil, preferably calcareous, but is tolerant of various soil types as long as water does not stagnate.
What Pot Should You Use for European Yew?
For young specimens or bonsai, use large ceramic pots with excellent drainage.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
What Is European Yew and Where Does It Come From?
Taxus baccata, commonly known as the European Yew, is a conifer native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. It is renowned for its extraordinary longevity, with some specimens living for over 2000 years. It has soft, dark green, needle-like leaves and produces seeds surrounded by a fleshy red covering called an aril. Almost all parts of the plant contain highly toxic taxine alkaloids, making it one of the most dangerous plants in European flora.
How to Propagate European Yew?
Stem Cuttings
- Use rooting hormones to increase success rates.
- Keep cuttings in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
- 1 Harvesting Cuttings
Cut 10-15 cm long shoots from this year's growth, preferably with a 'heel' of older wood.
- 2 Preparing the Cutting
Remove needles from the lower half of the shoot to prevent rot.
- 3 Planting
Insert the cutting into a mixture of sand and peat, maintaining high humidity.
Materials needed:
Seed Propagation
- Patience is essential, as germination can take up to two years.
- 1 Stratification
Seeds require a long period of cold stratification to germinate.
- 2 Sowing
Plant seeds in pots outdoors during winter.
Materials needed:
How Big Does European Yew Grow?
TLDR: European Yew can reach up to 20.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
20.0m
Spread
10.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Source for taxol (used in chemotherapy under strict medical supervision)
- Controlled homeopathic uses
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Often associated with eternal life and regeneration, but also with death in ancient European traditions.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
| Cape Primrose | Medium | Partial shade | 7d | â |
| Honey Locust | Medium | Direct sun | 14d | â |
