Canadian Yew

Taxus canadensis

Taxaceae · coniferous shrub · introduced

Last updated March 8, 2026

Plant Profile

Height

6–8 ft

Spread

6-8 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Size at 20 yr

5 ft

Lifespan

Long-lived

Light

Part Shade

Soil Drainage

Moist

Soil pH

5.3-7.5

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

Medium

Hardiness

Zones 2a–8b

Origin

from Newfoundland to eastern Minnesota and south to eastern

Growing Season Stress Expression

Spring Feeding & Egg Production

Adult Emergence & Foliar Feeding

View full calendar (5 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
New growth flush BBCH 11	Feb 15-Mar 15	Lighter-colored new growth visible at branch tips
Pollen release BBCH 61	Mar 15-May 15	Male pollen cones visible; pollen shed (yellow)
Pollen shed complete BBCH 69	Apr 15-May 31	Male structures have shed pollen
Aril development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fleshy red aril forming around seed on female plants
Aril maturity BBCH 85	Sep 1-Oct 31	Arils bright red, fully mature, seeds mature

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.