Hicks yew Taxus × media 'Hicksii' (f)

Names

• Family

  Taxaceae

• Synonyms

  Hicks Yew, Hicksii Yew

• Common names

  Taxus × media 'Hicksii'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Yew is highly poisonous to humans. All parts of the plant contain powerful toxins called taxine alkaloids, with the exception of the fleshy berry surrounding the seed. Ingesting leaves, bark, or seeds can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of yew poisoning may include dizziness, dry mouth, dilated pupils, weakness, abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat, trembling, difficulty breathing, and potentially fatal changes in heart rhythm. Poisoning can happen quickly, sometimes with fatal consequences if a significant amount is ingested and medical treatment is not sought immediately.

• To pets

  Yew is highly poisonous to pets, such as dogs and cats. Like in humans, the toxins (taxine alkaloids) found in all parts of the yew, apart from the fleshy fruit around the seed, can be extremely harmful if ingested. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate, seizures, life-threatening changes in heart rhythm, and even sudden death without much warning. The consequences of ingesting yew can be rapidly fatal, so prompt veterinary attention is critical if ingestion is suspected.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Height

  10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)

• Spread

  3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  4-7

• Native area

  Cultivar

General Benefits

• Ornamental appeal: 'Hicksii' offers year-round visual interest with its lush, evergreen foliage and dense, columnar form, making it a popular choice for hedges and decorative gardens.
• Low maintenance: Once established, 'Hicksii' requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of soil types and withstanding periods of drought.
• Wildlife habitat: Provides cover and nesting sites for birds, offering protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.
• Privacy screen: Due to its dense growth, 'Hicksii' is ideal for creating natural privacy screens or living fences, effectively blocking unwanted views.
• Noise reduction: The thick foliage can help dampen noise pollution, creating a quieter, more peaceful garden environment.
• Windbreak: Planted in rows, 'Hicksii' can act as an effective windbreak, protecting gardens, homes, and other plants from strong winds.
• Erosion control: The extensive root system of 'Hicksii' helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, particularly on slopes and banks.
• Year-round structure: Being evergreen, 'Hicksii' provides structural interest in the landscape throughout all seasons, even in the winter months.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Hicks yew hedge clippings can be used to create natural mulch that helps in retaining soil moisture and preventing weed growth around the garden.
• The dense foliage of Hicks yew can serve as a protective shelter for birds and small wildlife, providing a safe habitat within urban and suburban landscapes.
• Pruned branches of Hicks yew can be utilized in decorative arrangements for their rich green color and longevity when cut.
• Hicks yew wood is dense and can be carved into small craft items such as wooden jewelry, ornamental objects, or tool handles.
• The sturdy branches of Hicks yew can support garden ornaments or lightweight hanging bird feeders and birdhouses.
• Used creatively, Hicks yew can be shaped into topiary forms for artistic garden statements or functional sculptures.
• When planted in rows along property lines, Hicks yew can act as a sound barrier to reduce noise from traffic or neighbors.
• The tightly knit branches can serve as a windbreak, protecting more delicate plants in the garden from strong gusts of wind.
• Needles from Hicks yew can be collected and used to stuff small, fragrant sachets as a natural deodorizer for closets and drawers.
• During winter months, the evergreen characteristic of Hicks yew adds color to otherwise stark landscapes, providing visual relief and maintaining curb appeal.

Feng Shui

The Hicks Yew is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Hicks Yew is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Longevity: Taxus × media 'Hicksii,' commonly known as Hicks Yew, is a hybrid yew plant known for its long life; some yew species can live for over a thousand years, representing endurance and timelessness.
• Resilience: The Hicks Yew is a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand adversity.
• Regeneration: Yews have the capacity to regenerate from old wood, thus embodying renewal and the cyclical nature of life.
• Protection: In ancient times, yew trees were often planted in graveyards and considered to protect the dead, signifying sanctuary and a shield against negative forces.
• Transcendence: Because of its association with graveyards, the yew is also seen as a symbol bridging the mortal plane and the afterlife, reflecting the theme of transcendence.
• Sacredness: The druids regarded the yew as a holy tree, with its evergreen leaves symbolizing eternal life and its wood used to make wands and staves, denoting spiritual significance and a connection to the divine.