Irish yew and Common yew are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
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…
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…
Irish yew needs less care than Common yew.
Irish yew is cheaper: about €5.90 at the size usually planted, against about €8 for Common yew.
|
Feature
|
Irish yew
|
Common yew
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 90 cm | 4 m × 2.1 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–10 m × 1–3 m | 10–20 m × 8–15 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, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | no data | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 100 cm | 250 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Toxic | Toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €5.90 | 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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