English Yew
Taxus baccata
Taxaceae · coniferous tree · introduced
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
English yew is the shade champion of the Puget Sound lowlands. No other evergreen of comparable size tolerates deep shade as well. Growth is extremely slow (plan in decades, not years), the foliage is fine-textured and dark, and the plant lives for centuries. Two diseases and seven pests are documented, which is remarkably clean for our region. Root weevil is the most common pest, feeding on roots at night. The critical safety note: all parts except the fleshy red aril around the seed are lethally toxic to humans and livestock. This is not a casual toxicity warning; yew poisoning kills quickly and there is no antidote. Site accordingly, especially if children or livestock are present. For hedging, screening, and topiary in shade, yew is unmatched. It prefers well-drained soil but tolerates heavier lowland soils if not waterlogged.
— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist
English yew is an evergreen conifer native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It typically grows 30-60 ft tall with dark green foliage, bright red fleshy arils, and yellow flowers. This slow-growing tree has a dense, erect form with fine-textured needles and reddish-brown bark.
English yew tolerates part shade and well-drained to dry soils with a pH of 5.4-7.8. It is hardy in zones 4a-9b and performs well with low maintenance in most temperate climates. All parts except the arils are highly toxic. It is notably shade-tolerant and long-lived, making it valuable for structure in mature landscapes.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. English Yew typically reaches new growth at 3942 GDD₃₂, predicted around Jul 20.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 23, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,593 | Pre-season | New growth | 2,349 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,554 | Pre-season | New growth | 2,388 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,537 | Pre-season | New growth | 2,405 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,505 | Pre-season | New growth | 2,438 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,483 | Pre-season | New growth | 2,459 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | Pre-season | New growth | 2,470 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | Pre-season | New growth | 2,508 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Bud break BBCH 07 | — | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| ○ New growth BBCH 11 NEXT | 3942 | Mar 15-May 15 est. Jul 20 (avg) |
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | — | Mar 15-May 15 |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | — | Apr 15-May 31 |
| Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 | — | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Hover over GDD values for source details. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 9, 2026, then climate normals.