• Native to UK
• Widely planted in formal gardens
• Dense evergreen hedging
• Very winter hardy
• Low maintenance
• Can be shaped

Description 
The Yew is one of the three conifers native to Britain, the others being Scots Pine and Juniper. An evergreen tree or hedging species, native to chalk downs in southern England widely planting for its wonderful formal, dense, screening properties.
 
Specimens are broadly conical if single stemmed, multistemmed trees have a spreading habit. Huge and ancient yews are often found in churchyards; some  may be thousands of years old, and are hollow, although this has no effect on their health.
 
Planting Position 
Fully hardy, yews will grow in any well drained, slightly acidic soil in sun or shade. They are tolerant of coastal exposure, dry soils and urban pollution. It can grow well in full sun and partial shade. They won't tolerate wet postions though and this can leave them susceptible to Phytophthora root rot.
 
Attributes
Yew can withstand hard pruning and shaping, so is a very useful plant for topiary. The dense foliage provides shelter and protection for nesting birds - yew is often found as an understorey in beech woods, and the UK's smallest birds, the firecrest and goldcrest  often nest here. The fruit is eaten by birds such as the Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Fieldfare, and small mammals such as squirrels and dormice. The leaves are eaten by caterpillars of the Satin Beauty moth.
 
Size 
Growth Rate: Slow 
Final Height: 10 – 25m 
Final Spread: 8 – 10m 
 
Yew After Planting Care - See our handy guide to planting and after care here