Yews are one of the best evergreens for modern landscaping.
Known botanically as Taxus, they range from the dwarfed varieties to those which grow 2′ to 5′ feet high, and some even attain 50′ feet. There are columnar and spreading varieties.
In suburban plantings, yew may be used informally, provided loose varieties are chosen and there is judicial pruning. They withstand shade and city conditions and somewhat tolerate salt water spray.
Yew’s rank among the best live evergreens for seaside planting. But, they cannot tolerate wet feet or poorly drained soils.
One main attraction of the yews is their non-resinous needles which are grouped in dense clusters along the branches.
Some varieties have yellow needles, but more have green, and the preferred types have dark green needles. The small red fruits which appear in the fall are another ornamental asset.
There are at least 150 varieties of yews, but only about 30 are sold throughout the United States.
As yews are difficult to tell apart, purchases should be made only from reliable nurserymen or landscapers.
English Yew
One of the most interesting species is the English yew, baccate. In many countries, it is admired not only as ornamental but for its use in making furniture.
English yew grows best in Zone VI and in the Southern areas where Kentucky bluegrass thrives.
Irish Yew
Irish yew, fastigiate, commonly called hibernica is an upright columnar species that reaches 10’ feet.
Most have needles that are dark green, although there are yellow and variegated forms.
Spreading English Yew
Spreading English yew (repandens) is a dwarfed, nearly prostrate type that grows 2’ to 3’ feet tall.
Its wide-spreading branches carry blue-green needles, which are narrow, long, and upcurved. Dr. L. C. Chadwick of Ohio State University rates it the best of the dwarfed spreading types.
However, if exposed to the winter sun, its needles may burn.
Japanese Yew
Japanese yew (cuspidate) is an interesting species that range from dwarf to tall yews. Most are spreading or bushy in habit, but there are selected upright varieties.
Upright Japanese yew (Capitata’) grows into a tree that, when matured, may be 25′ feet tall.
Cushion Japanese Yew
Cushion Japanese yew (densa) is rated by Dr. Chadwick as the best compact, rounded, slow-growing yew.
Dwarf Japanese Yew
Dwarf Japanese yew (nana), also known as brevifolia, is the best horizontal-spreading yew. Similar to the English spreader but slower growing, it may be used as a connecting plant or in spaces between corners and doorways in foundation plantings.
If unpruned, it will grow two or three times its height. Mature specimens may grow eight to nine feet wide.
Thayer Japanese Yew
Thayer Japanese yew reaches 10’ feet and is rated one of the best horizontal spreading types in this height classification because of its dense, slow growth.
Taxus Media
Taxus media, a hybrid between the English and Japanese yews, is more similar to the Japanese type where hardiness is concerned. Brown yew usually grows four feet tall but may reach eight feet.
Because it is almost ball-shaped when matured, it is best grown as a specimen plant. It may kill more than other varieties of this species.
Hatfield and Hicks Yew
Hatfield yew (media) reaches 10’ feet and is usually sheared into a pyramidal-shaped shrub.
Hicks yew (media) is usually sheared to 6′ to 10′ feet, growing to 25′ if unpruned. The Hicks yew is similar to the Irish yew but is hardier and not so narrow.
Although a good upright type, it is structurally weak, and its main branches, if weighted down by ice or snow, may split the shrub in two.
Common Yew Problems
Occasionally any of these yews can become troublesome. Foliage discoloration and needle drops are not uncommon, but they may be controlled.
Scale Insects
The most common cause is scale insects along the main stems. Look for lecanium scales, mealy bugs, or other soft scales along the trunk.
If found, spray using four tablespoons of 25% Malathion wettable powder plus two tablespoons of 50% DDT wettable powder per gallon of water in late May. Spray again in early June.
Yellowing Foliage
Yellowish foliage may also be caused by the black vine weevil. Look for scalloped edges on those needles about 18″ inches above the ground.
Spray with two tablespoons of 25% Dieldrin wettable powder per gallon of water in late June. Chlordane, Aldrin, Heptachlor, and DDT are also effective against this pest. Drench the ground under the plants with the spray.
Avoid setting yews near rain gutters where they may get “wet feet.” Drainage tiles on either side of the shrub or a dry well should be provided to remedy this condition. Although the yew family is evergreen, it likes slightly acid soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
If the pH is low, limestone will green up the needles, and frequently a complete fertilizer is helpful.
Two applications are generally advised, one in early spring and another in early summer when the yews are growing strongly.
Nematodes
Finally, examine the roots of nematodes. Usually, if nematodes are present, the roots are galled, although some nematodes are more difficult to detect.
If treatment is necessary, apply Nemagon VC-13 or some other chemical designed specifically for nematodes.
Such applications may green up the foliage and help retard premature loss of needles.
44659 by Robert Brewster