Anglo-Japanese yew and Irish yew are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Taxus × media 2.5 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A dark green, dense evergreen and one of the best plants for a clipped hedge: it grows in sun and deep shade alike, copes well with city air and…
Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata' 3 m × 90 cm after 10 years
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…
Anglo-Japanese yew is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -23 °C for Irish yew.
|
Feature
|
Anglo-Japanese yew
|
Irish yew
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 2.5 m × 1.5 m | 3 m × 90 cm |
| Ultimate size | 3–6 m × 2–4 m | 3–10 m × 1–3 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 100 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Toxic | Toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €6.90 | approx. €5.90 |
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 13, 2026
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