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). In the colder parts of the country (Podlaskie Voivodeship) it may not survive winter without protection.

Is Irish yew toxic to dogs?

Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs: even a small amount can be life-threatening.

Is Irish yew toxic to cats?

Yes, it is highly toxic to cats: even a small amount can be life-threatening.

Is Irish yew toxic to children?

Yes, it is highly toxic to children: even a small amount can be life-threatening.

How far from the house should Irish yew be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 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.

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. Highly toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about PLN 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.

Highly toxic

All parts except the red fleshy aril are poisonous, including needles, bark and the seed inside the aril. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, dizziness, tremors, breathing difficulty and irregular heartbeat, and can be fatal to people, dogs, cats and horses.

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

All details

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 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	Highly toxic
For cats	Highly toxic
For children	Highly toxic
Typical price	from about PLN 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
size not stated	approx. PLN 20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

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

Compare with similar plants

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

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