Yew
Taxus baccata
Also called English yew and Common yew
Garden plant · ShrubsThe one conifer that regrows from old bare wood, so it can be cut back hard and recover. Every part but the red flesh is lethal.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 10 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Sun to deep shade
- Feed
- Every 60 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 4 m tall · 3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Europe, North Africa and western Asia
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses. Signs: tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures in dogs, and sudden death from heart failure.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
Every part including the seed; the red flesh of the berry is the only exception.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.