Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aurea' (Golden Irish Yew)

Michael's Opinion

An unusually upright, dense formed plant with a slight gold tinge that is at its northern limits growing in Southern Ontario. However, it is a class plant and well worth the efforts of finding a suitable microclimate and affording it some winter protection.

Botanical Information

FamilyTaxaceae
GenusTaxus
Speciesbaccata
Cultivar'Fastigiata Aurea'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
OriginIt was found as a sport in 1780 in a garden in County Fermanagh, in what is now Northern Ireland. Sometimes referred to as T. baccata 'Stricta Aurea'.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone 6 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-21) - (-7)
Temperature (°F)(-5) - 20
Height7 -10 m
Spread2 -3 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionVery upright shape, dense in growth, if unprunned can grow 10 m high and to about 3 m wide but is very slow growing.
ShapeDense, columnar form with upright branches.
LandscapeUsed as a dominant accent in the garden. Often seen in English graveyards as very old plants.
PropagationTake cuttings in late summer and early autumn.
CultivationWell drained soils with protection from winter winds. Needs adequate moisture during summer droughts.
PestsTaxus mealy bug, black vine weevil, taxus scale and yew-gall midge.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionExfoliating bark that is lightly fissured, multi-stem trunk, bark colour is brown, bark flakes off easily.
Leaf DescriptionNeedle like, alternate arrangement, space soft and flexible, yellow green on top and light green on the undersides.
Fruit DescriptionRed fleshy like fruits, with a seed in the center of it (arial), the fruit is poisonous. The fruit is evident in July, August, and September.
Texture DescriptionMedium texture.

Photographs