Taxus baccata 'Standishii' (Standish Irish Yew, English Yew, Common Yew)

Botanical Information

FamilyTaxaceae
GenusTaxus
Speciesbaccata
Cultivar'Standishii'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginThe species is native to Europe, southwestern Asia and northern Africa.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23 -(-7)
Temperature (°F)-10 - 20
Height1.5 - 3 m
Spread30 - 45 cm
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA dense, columnar, slow-growing medium-sized evergreen shrub with erect branches clothed in spreading, rich yellow leaves.
ID CharacteristicBest yellow foliage colour occurs in sunny locations. Foliage colour in shade tends to be greenish-yellow.
ShapeA long-lived, conical evergreen plant.
LandscapeExcellent for small gardens, specimen or accent, and rock gardens.
PropagationBy semi-hardwood cuttings or grafting.
CultivationTaxus baccata 'Standishii' is surprisingly tolerant of a wide variety of soils from clay to sandy sites. In poor soils it is best to amend to area with added organic matter and to water regularly until the plants are established. Once established it is quite drought tolerant, but would appreciate an occasional watering during dry summers. As with most yews it can tolerate full sun to full shade, but the golden color vanishes in excessive shade. For the best foliage colour give it sun all day. It will tolerate heavy pruning and is one of the few conifers that will sprout from old wood, but typical plants will require very little pruning other than removing the occasional small branch growing out of shape.
PestsTortrix moth, vine weevil, gall mites, scale insects, and phytophthora root diseases may be of concern.
Notable SpecimensTrengwainton Garden, Madron, near Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionOld trees develop thick trunks with scaly reddish-brown bark.
Leaf DescriptionLustrous, flat-needled, two-ranked, dark green foliage, needles to 5 cm long. Young shoots emerge light green.
Fruit DescriptionA red, berry-like fruit, having a single seed almost completely surrounded by a fleshy red aril.

Photographs