Hybrid Yew

Taxus media

Taxaceae · coniferous shrub · introduced

Last updated April 25, 2026

Hybrid yew is a cross between English and Japanese yew species. It reaches 3-20 ft depending on cultivar and exhibits variable form from spreading to upright types. Foliage, flowers, fruit, and texture vary by cultivar selection.

Hybrid yew is hardy in zones 4a-8b and adapts to full sun through shade with variable soil preferences depending on the parent species. Growth rate and maintenance vary by cultivar. Multiple cultivars are available commercially, offering diverse landscape options. All parts except fleshy fruit are toxic.

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height

3–20 ft

Growth Rate

Slow

Site Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Shade

Soil Drainage

Well Drained

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

Moderate to high

Hardiness

Zones 4a–8b

Lecanium scaleModerate

Spring Feeding & Egg Production

Root weevilModerate

Adult Emergence & Foliar Feeding

Diseases: Regionally Documented (2)

Sirococcus conigenus, S Needle Blight Symptom category — not a single disease Root Rot

Pests: Regionally Documented (5)

Parthenolecanium spp. Lecanium scale Pulvinaria floccifera Cottony camellia scale Otiorhynchus spp. Root weevil Brevipalpus spp. False spider mite Physokermes piceae Spruce bud scale

Cultivars (6)

'Bean Pole'

Common name: Bean Pole Hybrid Yew; Mature height: 3–6 ft

'Hicksii'

Common name: Hicks Hybrid Yew Hicks Imtermediate Yew; Mature height: 10–12 ft

Hardy to USDA Zone 4

'Tautonii'

Common name: Tauntonii Hybrid Yew Taunton's Hybrid Yew Taunton Yew; Mature height: 3–4 ft

'Dark Green Spreader'

'Densiformis'

'H.M. Eddie'

Data Maturity

Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.