treeN. America Native

Pacific Yew

Taxus brevifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Taxus brevifolia, commonly known as Pacific yew, is a slow-growing evergreen conifer native to the shaded understories and stream banks of western North America. It forms a small conical tree or sprawling multi-stemmed shrub with thin reddish-purple bark and dark green, linear needles arranged in two flat ranks.

Unlike cultivated hedge yews, this species thrives in deep shade and high atmospheric humidity, producing fleshy red arils around its seeds rather than woody cones. Mature specimens hollow out internally over decades while continuing to maintain dense, flexible foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Evergreen architectural form with attractive red bark and summer red seed arils.

Produces remarkably dense, fine-grained wood historically valued for bows and tool handles.

Provides critical shelter and winter browse for forest mammals and seeds for songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590"

Width

177"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

High (Taxine alkaloids)

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade with rich, well-draining loam and protection from harsh midday sun.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the crown level with the surrounding soil surface.
Backfill with native soil mixed with compost, firming gently to eliminate air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the first two growing seasons.

Pro Tip

Never shear back into old, bare wood, as Pacific yew lacks the dormant buds required to push new growth from leafless timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a deep layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture.
Plant in shaded positions protected from drying summer winds.
Ensure soil drains freely to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not plant in hot, full sun or dry urban soils.
Do not prune hard into thick, bare branch interior wood.
Do not allow soil to remain waterlogged or compacted.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden accentNative woodland understoryScreen or informal hedgeWildlife habitat shelter

Companion Plants

Acer circinatum Polystichum munitum Asarum caudatum Gaultheria shallon

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pacific Yew questions

What zones can Pacific Yew grow in?

Pacific Yew is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pacific Yew deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Pacific Yew, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Pacific Yew bloom?

Pacific Yew typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pacific Yew need full sun?

Pacific Yew does best in part shade.