Common yew 'Semperaurea' Taxus baccata 'Semperaurea' (m)
ABOUT
'Semperaurea' is a large, bushy evergreen shrub, eventually wider than tall, with erect branches and dense golden-yellow foliage, tinged orange in winter
About this plant
NamesFamily
Taxaceae
Synonyms
Golden English Yew, Golden Yew
Common names
Taxus baccata 'Semperaurea'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Golden
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Taxus baccata 'Semperaurea', commonly known as the English yew, has attractive golden-yellow foliage that adds color and visual interest to landscaping.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, English yew is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for gardens with drier conditions.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can grow well in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, expanding its planting possibilities.
- Low Maintenance: English yew requires minimal pruning and can maintain its shape without frequent intervention, which is convenient for gardeners.
- Evergreen Nature: As an evergreen, it provides year-round color and structure to a garden, even in the colder months.
- Wildlife Habitat: It offers habitat and shelter for birds and other wildlife within its dense foliage.
- Privacy Screen: With its compact growth habit, English yew can be used as a natural privacy screen or hedge in landscaping.
- Soil Tolerance: It adapts to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil, making it versatile for different landscape conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodturning and Crafting: The dense wood of the Yew is valued for woodturning projects, such as creating detailed bowls, handles and even intricate wooden jewelry.
- Archery Bows: Historically, the Yew tree has been a preferred material for making longbows due to its combination of tensile and compressive strength.
- Veneer Production: The wood's attractive grain can be used for decorative veneers in cabinet making or luxury wood paneling.
- Garden Sculptures: With its year-round golden foliage, branches of 'Semperaurea' can be trimmed and shaped into living sculptures or topiaries in gardens.
- Dye Production: Historically, the Yew tree’s bark and needles were used for making dyes for textiles.
- Furniture Making: The hardwood can be used for crafting durable furniture, particularly outdoor seating and tables that require weather-resistant properties.
- Landscape Design: 'Semperaurea' can be used as focal points in landscape design due to its unique golden foliage that contrasts well with green-dominated environments.
- Holiday Decorations: The branches of Yew are sometimes used in festive wreaths and garlands due to their evergreen nature and association with immortality and rebirth.
- Instrument Making: Yew wood's tonal qualities have been employed in making musical instruments, such as certain woodwind instruments.
- Engraving Material: Due to its fine grain, Yew wood can also be used for detailed engravings including artistic plaques and intricate print blocks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe English Yew is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe English Yew is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Eternity: Taxus baccata, also known as the Yew tree, is often associated with eternity due to its long lifespan and evergreen nature.
- Resilience: The Yew tree's ability to withstand harsh conditions and regenerate by growing new shoots from old wood symbolizes resilience and persistence.
- Death and Rebirth: In many cultures, the Yew tree represents death and rebirth because it's toxic but also because it is seen in graveyards, linking it to the cycle of life and the afterlife.
- Transformation: Its association with death and rebirth also lends the Yew to symbolize transformation and transition.
- Protection: Due to its presence in churchyards, the Yew is believed to protect the spirits of the dead, symbolizing sanctuary and safety.
WaterThe Golden Yew should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot. During the growing season, it's best to check the soil moisture weekly and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Typically, this might mean watering with about 1-2 gallons every week, depending on the climate and soil drainage. In the winter months, watering can be reduced, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Remember, consistent moisture is key, but always allow for proper drainage.
LightThe Golden Yew prefers partial to full sun. An ideal spot for the plant would be one that is sheltered from extreme afternoon sun in hot climates but still receives ample light. An area with morning sun exposure and dappled afternoon shade often provides optimal conditions for the Golden Yew's growth and health.
TemperatureFor the Golden Yew, the best temperature conditions are those that mimic its natural woodland habitat. It's hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and up to 100°F. However, the ideal growing temperatures range from 60°F to 70°F. Golden Yews can suffer from stress if the temperature exceeds this range for prolonged periods.
PruningPruning the Golden Yew is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. It should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Light pruning can also be done in the summer, if necessary, to remove any dead or diseased branches. To promote a healthy structure, only prune about one-third of the oldest branches at a time.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Golden Yew prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for 'Semperaurea' could be composed of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Mulching is beneficial to maintain moisture levels and soil temperature.
RepottingGolden Yew trees are slow-growing and do not need to be repotted often. Repotting should be done every 2 to 3 years or when the root system has outgrown the current container, being careful not to damage the roots during the process.
Humidity & MistingGolden Yews are tolerant of a range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions. They are adaptable to the naturally occurring humidity in most outdoor environments, making them suitable for various garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
6-7 USDA
Life cycleTaxus baccata 'Semperaurea', commonly known as the Golden English Yew, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate, typically requiring cold stratification to break seed dormancy. Following germination, the seedling grows into a young plant, establishing a root system and a small set of leaves for photosynthesis. As it matures, 'Semperaurea' develops into a bushy shrub, characterized by its distinctive golden-yellow foliage that is evergreen and maintains its color year-round. Over many years, it gradually becomes a dense and slow-growing tree-like shrub, capable of reaching up to 2-3 meters in height. While 'Semperaurea' is a male cultivar and does not produce berries, it will form small, inconspicuous male cones that release pollen in the spring. With proper care, this long-lived plant can survive for numerous decades, making it a fixture in landscapes and gardens where it is planted.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagating the English Yew 'Semperaurea' (Taxus baccata 'Semperaurea') is through cuttings. The optimal time to take cuttings for this evergreen shrub is in early fall when new growth has hardened slightly. To propagate, one should select a healthy branch and cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, ensuring to make a clean cut just below a node. The lower needles should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and in a warm place with indirect light. Roots generally develop within a few months, after which it can be transplanted to a larger pot or its final location in the garden.
