Common yew – Taxus baccata
The common yew, or Taxus baccata, is an evergreen conifer emblematic of ornamental gardens, often used for hedges or topiary. It is also known for its exceptional longevity and historical uses in Europe, notably for its very dense wood.
This perennial plant with a dense habit and dark green needles forms a shrub or small tree that can reach several meters tall. At maturity, it produces bright red arils (fleshy fruits), very decorative but toxic.
Growing tips:
Sowing: Cold stratification required for 3 to 6 months (in the refrigerator, between 1 and 5 °C, in sand or a moist sand/peat mixture). Then sow in pots or directly in the ground in spring or autumn.
Exposure: Partial shade or sun. Well-drained soil, calcareous or neutral.
Slow growth , but very long-lived: it can live more than 1,000 years.
Features:
Perennial plant and rustic, reaching 15 to 20 meters in height at maturity.
Can be pruned as a hedge, topiary, bonsai, or grown alone as an ornamental tree.
Uses:
Widely used in garden art , especially for evergreen hedges or formal gardens.
Symbolic tree in many cultures, associated with eternity, death, and resurrection .
Plant associations:
Goes well with boxwood , holly , ferns and shade plants. To be avoided near grazing areas ( toxic for animals).
Other known names:
Tree of death, Yew (in English), If noble, Taxus.
⚠️ Toxicity: All parts of the plant, except the red aril, are toxic to humans and animals. Handle with care, especially around children or pets.
Commitment to quality:
At SemiSauvage - Permaculture, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality reproducible seeds. Our seeds are carefully selected, sorted, and packaged without any chemical treatment.
Sale reserved for amateur gardeners seeking quality and authenticity.
