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.
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…
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…
European hornbeam is deciduous, Common yew is evergreen.
European hornbeam is hardier: down to -27 °C, against -23 °C for Common yew.
Common yew is cheaper: about €8 at the size usually planted, against about €28 for European hornbeam.
|
Feature
|
European hornbeam
|
Common yew
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 4.5 m | 4 m × 2.1 m |
| Ultimate size | 15–20 m × 9–12 m | 10–20 m × 8–15 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slow |
| 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 -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Flowering | March–April, yellow, green | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 250 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Toxic |
| For cats | no data | Toxic |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €28 | approx. €8 |
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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