Species Canada Yew

Canada Yew

Taxus canadensis

Canada Yew (Taxus canadensis) is an evergreen conifer native to North America. It has flat needles that are dark green in color and can grow up to 10 feet tall. Its branches and trunk are usually gray in color. This species has very slow growth rate and prefers moist, acidic soil. The berries are toxic to humans but are a food source to birds. It is often found in the understory of deciduous and mixed wood forests. Canada Yew is highly tolerant of pollution and is sometimes used in landscaping. It is also popular among gardeners for its versatile and low-maintenance growing requirements.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy,Loamy,Clay

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Canada Yew is a drought tolerant evergreen shrub and therefore requires only occasional watering. To keep it looking its healthiest, water once a week in the spring and summer (April–September) with 1 to 2 inches of water. In the fall and winter (October–March), watering once a month is acceptable, but only if there has been no natural precipitation. It’s important to not over-water the plant, as too much can lead to root rot.

sunlight

The Canada Yew is a shade-tolerant evergreen, and can thrive in partial to full shade. It requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day to support healthy growth and flowering. The ideal exposure for them is afternoon sunlight since this is the least intense. Morning sun is also beneficial as the sun rises higher in the sky during the day. These plants thrive best when they receive some direct sunlight in the morning and some filtered shade in the afternoon, as this helps to protect them from the more intense heat of the day. During the hottest part of summer, the Canada Yew should have some light shade or dappled sunlight to help them stay cool and minimize the risk of leaf scorch. In the winter months, when the sun is lower in the sky, you can provide them with full sunlight if the temperatures are not too extreme.

pruning

Canada Yew is a slow-growing shrub or tree commonly found in forests throughout much of North America. Pruning should be done to encourage the desired form or shape of the plant. Canada Yews should be pruned either in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Pruning should be done lightly, allowing the shrub or tree to maintain its natural shape. The branches should be cut back to just above a bud, taking care to only remove the dead or diseased wood. Canada Yews can also be pruned in early summer, however the buds should not be cut back too far or too close to the trunk. Doing so could cause dieback and can open the plant up to disease and other problems.