What soil does Irish yew grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Irish yew be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Irish yew need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Irish yew cost?

It sells for roughly €5.20 to €170 in local shops, depending on size.

Irish yew

Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata'

Irish yew (Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata') is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about €5.20.

Illustration of Irish yew — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A dark green, strictly upright column that copes with full sun and deep shade alike, so it gives a vertical accent even where other evergreens would thin out. It grows slowly and stays slim for many years, but broadens with age unless you trim it or tie the branches in. Every part is highly poisonous, which matters if small children or pets use the garden.

Watch out for

Root rot kills it in waterlogged, airless soil. Vine weevil larvae feed on the roots and scale insects on the shoots. Heavy wet snow can splay the upright branches, so tie them in loosely for winter. It is a female clone and drops plenty of red fruit in autumn.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	3 m × 90 cm
Ultimate size	3–10 m × 1–3 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €5.20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-25 cm	approx. €6.20
40-50 cm	approx. €5.20
50-60 cm	approx. €27
80-100 cm	approx. €73
100-125 cm	approx. €140
125-150 cm	approx. €170
size not stated	approx. €40

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for shade Shrubs for part shade Evergreen plants Plants for containers Low-maintenance shrubs

Compare with similar plants

Irish yew vs Anglo-Japanese yew Irish yew vs Common yew

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