What is the difference between Irish yew and English Yew?

It’s quite a good illustration of the difference between them: they are both Yew, but the English Yew branches are sprouting off in all directions, and even in this photo, you can see that the individual leaves are not crisply curling, the way that those of the Irish Yew are.

What is Irish yew?

Irish yew is an evergreen conifer which can grow to 7m. The bark is grey-brown with purple tones, and it peels. It was originally discovered in County Fermanagh in 1780, and it is thought to be a mutant form of the common yew (Taxus baccata).

Can you prune Irish yew?

Joyously, you can prune yew hedge plants whenever you feel like it except in freezing weather. In the early years, the more often you clip the side branches, the bushier your yew hedge will become.

How do you care for an Irish yew?

A full sun to partial shade lover, this plant is easily grown in evenly moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full shade as well as a wide range of soils. Perfect as a specimen plant, for foundation plantings, hedges and screens. No regular pruning necessary, but can be trimmed and shaped when required.

Are Irish yew trees poisonous?

While the entire yew hedge or tree is considered to be poisonous, the berries and more specifically, the seeds of the plant are recorded to contain the highest concentration levels of taxine. Initial symptoms of yew poisoning can include: nausea and vomiting.

Are yew trees unlucky?

At Easter time yew branches were/are used to decorate the churches to act as a symbol of the triumph of life over death and of life in the after world. Such was the respect given to the yew tree that it was deemed unlucky to ever cut down a churchyard yew or to cause it any damage to its branches.

How big does an Irish yew plant get?

Scientific name: Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’. Most commonly used for hedging purposes, Irish Yew has a naturally upright form and takes shearing well. It’s an option for gardeners looking for an alternative to more common Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis). Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’ will reach 7’ – 8’ high by 3’ wide in ten years.

What kind of tree is Taxus fastigiata?

One of the world’s most popular conifers, Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’ (Irish Yew) is a dense, upright, evergreen shrub of columnar habit when young, becoming more broadly conical as the plant ages. Its stiffly erect branches boast long, radially arranged, dark green needles.

When to fertilize an Irish yew Monrovia plant?

Easily adapts to most well-drained soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency, once established. Fertilize before new growth begins in spring. For a neat appearance, prune annually to shape in early spring.

Why are yew trees restricted to church yards?

In England yew trees were restricted to church yards where they were not subject to livestock grazing, which caused many animal deaths in the past. Interestingly, deer may graze on them, unaffected. Birds are also attracted to the fruit, which they eat without consequence, as the flesh is not toxic to most, and the seed passes through intact.

What is the difference between Irish yew and English Yew? It’s quite a good illustration of the difference between them: they are both Yew, but the English Yew branches are sprouting off in all directions, and even in this photo, you can see that the individual leaves are not crisply curling, the way that those…