European hornbeam vs Common yew

European hornbeam and Common yew are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.

European hornbeam

Carpinus betulus 6 m × 4.5 m after 10 years

It makes a dense hedge that responds well to clipping, but grows into a large shade tree if left unpruned. The foliage turns yellow in autumn, and…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

Shade

from about PLN 2

Common yew

Taxus baccata 4 m × 2.1 m after 10 years

Its dense, dark green foliage makes a useful evergreen hedge or a clipped garden feature, even in shade. It tolerates pruning well, but eventually…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

Shade

from about PLN 6.40

Key differences

Common yew is highly toxic to children, dogs and cats: even a small amount can be life-threatening. Do not plant it where small children, dogs or cats go. Needles, shoots, bark and seeds are highly poisonous to people, dogs and cats; dried clippings remain dangerous. Only the fleshy red aril is non-toxic, while the seed inside is poisonous, so the fruit should not be treated as edible.
European hornbeam is deciduous, Common yew is evergreen.
European hornbeam grows larger: 6 m × 4.5 m after ten years, against 4 m × 2.1 m for Common yew (an estimate: sources differ).

Which one to choose?

European hornbeam is the better choice if small children, dogs or cats use the garden.

Common yew is the better choice if it must screen in winter too or space is tight.

Watch out for

Common yew

Waterlogged, poorly aerated soil can cause root rot and plant death. Prolonged hot, dry weather may require watering, especially while young; winter wind and sunshine can cause foliage browning. Scale insects, vine weevils and needle or shoot diseases can occur in Central Europe, but generally do not make it a poor garden choice. Male plants release allergenic pollen in spring.

The data side by side

Feature	European hornbeam	Common yew
Group	Hedge	Hedge
Size after 10 years	6 m × 4.5 m (uncertain)	4 m × 2.1 m (uncertain)
Ultimate size	15–20 m × 9–12 m (uncertain)	10–20 m × 8–15 m
Growth rate	Medium (uncertain)	Slow (uncertain)
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Hardiness	down to -27 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7)	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Heat tolerance	Medium (uncertain)	Low
Foliage	Deciduous	Evergreen
Flowering	March–April, yellow, green	March–April, yellow, green
Water need	Medium	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium	Medium
Maintenance	Medium	Medium
Planted as a hedge	3.5 plants per running metre	3 plants per running metre
For dogs	no data	Highly toxic
For cats	no data	Highly toxic
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)	Highly toxic
Typical price	about PLN 6 (40–60 cm)	about PLN 8.60 (< 40 cm)

Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 26, 2026

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