Yew (Taxus)

The King of Shade Evergreens

Yew is the go-to evergreen for deep shade. It has soft, dark green needles and a dense growth habit that makes it perfect for foundation plantings on the north side of a house. It is one of the few evergreens that can be pruned back hard into old wood and will re-sprout, making it very forgiving.

Why You Need It:

• Shade Tolerance: Will grow in deep, dark shade where other evergreens get thin.
• Versatility: Can be kept as a tight hedge or allowed to grow into a large shrub.
• Winter Structure: Provides essential dark green "bones" to the garden year-round.

Planting Tips:

Thrives in Shade to Part Sun. It absolutely hates wet feet—good drainage is essential, or it will die. Warning: All parts of the Yew are toxic if eaten (except the red fleshy berry part, but the seed inside is toxic).