European Yew Taxus baccata 'Lutea' (f)
ABOUT
The English yew 'Lutea', a variant of the traditional English yew, is a striking evergreen renowned for its ornamental features. It displays a dense, compact shape with lush foliage that comprises needle-like leaves. These leaves are particularly noted for their bright, golden-yellow color when new, which gradually transitions to a deep, glossy green as they mature. The unique characteristic of 'Lutea' lies in its vibrant young leaves that add a burst of sunlight to the plant's overall greenery, creating an eye-catching contrast. Adding to its charm are the reddish-brown, flaky bark and the small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into vibrant red, berry-like fruits. These fruits, known as arils, envelop seeds and provide a vivid splash of color against the greenery in the fall and winter months, although they are harmful if ingested. The English yew 'Lutea' possesses a robust and sturdy structure, making it a favored choice for hedges and topiary gardens, as well as a stately standalone specimen in a variety of landscapes. Its bountiful foliage and overall striking appearance make it an elegant and attractive addition to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
English Yew, European Yew, Common Yew
Common names
Taxus baccata 'Lutea' (f).
ToxicityTo humans
Taxus baccata 'Lutea', commonly known as the English yew, is highly toxic to humans. All parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, contain toxic alkaloids such as taxine. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, dry mouth, dilated pupils, abdominal pain, and heart and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, poisoning from English yew can result in cardiac failure, which can be fatal.
To pets
The English yew is also highly toxic to pets. The alkaloids, especially taxine, can cause similar symptoms in animals as in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, weakness, and potentially fatal changes in heart rate and rhythm. Consumption of any part of the English yew plant by pets can lead to severe illness or death, and veterinary attention is required immediately if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Taxus baccata 'Lutea,' also known as the Golden Yew, has attractive, golden-yellow foliage that adds color and ornamental interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Ease of Shaping: The Golden Yew is amenable to pruning and shaping, making it a popular choice for hedges, topiaries, and formal garden designs.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can grow well in shaded areas, where other plants might struggle, allowing for versatile landscaping options.
- Evergreen Nature: As an evergreen, the Golden Yew provides year-round visual appeal and structure to gardens, unlike deciduous plants that lose their leaves in winter.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, the Golden Yew can withstand periods of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Wildlife Support: Provides habitat and shelter for birds and other wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requiring relatively low maintenance, the Golden Yew is suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Soil Adaptability: This plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Long-Lived: The Golden Yew is a long-lived plant, which can be a part of the landscape for many years, reducing the need for frequent replanting.
Medical Properties- Source of Taxol: European yew is a source of the anticancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol), used in the treatment of various cancers, mainly ovarian, breast, and non-small cell lung cancer.
- Contains Baccatin: Baccatin III, a precursor to paclitaxel production, is found in the leaves of the plant and extracted for pharmaceutical use.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies suggest that extracts from European yew might possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Phytochemical contents: The yew contains several compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics that might contribute to potential antioxidant activities.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: Yew wood is durable and has a fine grain making it suitable for cabinet making, woodturning, and creating intricate wooden objects.
- Archery: Yew wood is historically used to craft English longbows due to its combination of strength and flexibility.
- Ornamental Gardening: With its attractive yellow foliage, Yew can be used as an ornamental feature in landscaping and garden design.
- Hedging: Yew is commonly used for hedges as it can tolerate heavy pruning and maintain a dense, evergreen foliage.
- Topiary: Due to its ability to grow densely and endure shaping, Yew is an excellent choice for creating topiary art.
- Dye Production: The bark and needles of the Yew can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles.
- Folklore and Tradition: Yew trees are often found in churchyards in Britain and Ireland, traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Sound Insulation: Planting Yew hedges can act as a sound barrier, reducing noise pollution in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Soil Stabilization: The robust root system of the Yew helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Windbreaks: Yew trees and hedges provide protection against strong winds, making them a suitable shelterbelt around properties.
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, commonly known as the English Yew, is a symbol of eternity due to its incredibly long lifespan and the ability to regenerate.
- Resilience: The English Yew represents resilience as it can endure harsh climates and poor soils, often found in graveyards as a symbol of everlasting life.
- Death and Resurrection: It is often associated with death and resurrection because of its toxic properties and its use in graveyards, as well as its evergreen nature which suggests immortality.
- Protection: The tree is thought to offer protection with its long-standing presence; its branches and wood were also historically used to make weapons for defense.
WaterThe English Yew 'Lutea' should be watered thoroughly when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, which could be about once a week during active growth phases, less often during dormant periods. Early morning is the best time to water, using a soaker hose or a drip system to apply water directly to the root zone. Typically, a mature plant will require between 1 to 2 gallons of water per session, but this might change based on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. It's crucial to avoid overwatering as English Yews do not tolerate waterlogged soil.
LightEnglish Yew 'Lutea' thrives best in partial to full shade, which makes it suitable for understory plantings or north-facing gardens. It can also tolerate full sun, but in those conditions, it might require more frequent watering to prevent stress. A location that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal, avoiding intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.
TemperatureThe English Yew 'Lutea' is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures; it can survive brief periods as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle heat up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it grows best in temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the plant is sheltered from harsh winter winds, which could damage the foliage.
PruningPruning English Yew 'Lutea' is mainly needed to shape the plant or remove damaged and diseased branches; pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It can also be lightly pruned in late summer to maintain its desired form. Since this yew tolerates heavy pruning, it can be cut back significantly if required, but it's best to do so over several seasons.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGolden Yew requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The best soil mix is a blend of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand to ensure sufficient drainage. Regular incorporation of organic matter will help maintain soil fertility and structure.
RepottingThe Golden Yew should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to avoid becoming pot-bound. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, while older, more established specimens can be repotted less often.
Humidity & MistingGolden Yew prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions. It does not require specific humidity levels to thrive, making it suitable for most average garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, avoid hot sun, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, partial to full sun, shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleEnglish Yew 'Lutea' begins with seed germination, typically taking place in a damp, cool environment, often facilitated by the passage of the seed through the digestive system of a bird or animal. The seedling grows slowly, establishing a deep root system and developing into a juvenile plant with soft, needle-like leaves. As the yew matures, it develops a woody trunk and branches, with the foliage turning a lighter, yellow-green hue, characteristic of the 'Lutea' cultivar. This dioecious plant reaches reproductive maturity in about 10 to 20 years, when females produce red, fleshy, cup-shaped arils surrounding the seeds, which are subsequently dispersed by wildlife. The yew 'Lutea' continues to grow and can reach an impressive age, with many specimens living for hundreds of years; during this long adult phase, the yew will undergo periodic growth, produce seeds annually, and may undergo pruning or shaping in cultivation. The plant eventually enters senescence, showing signs of decline such as reduced growth and foliage loss, before eventually dying.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
The European yew 'Lutea', a cultivar of Taxus baccata, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is during late summer, typically from August to September. To propagate by this method, cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Preparing the cutting involves making a clean cut below a node and removing the lower leaves. The base of the cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. After that, the cuttings are inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss to provide adequate drainage and support. These pots are then placed in a cold frame or protected environment with high humidity and indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several months.
