SPREADING YEWS
Taxus baccata ‘Repandens’ – Weeping English Yew - finest textured yew, is also the least hardy. Low growing and spreading,
it has a weeping growth which compliments its soft texture. Establishment can take longer and require additional attention and
patience as compared to other varieties. A 9 year old plant is about 15-18”.
Taxus cuspidate ‘Nigra’ – Dark Spreading Yew - spreading yew of medium texture, it has a very dark green needle, medium
growth rate for a yew (which still means slow growing relative to other plants), and is very hardy. Its slower growth makes it
easier to maintain and its ability to keep the dark needle color through the winter makes ‘Nigra’ an outstanding selection. A 9
year old plant usually sizes up to 15-18”.
Taxus x media ‘Densiformis’ – Dense Spreading Yew -The most vigorous growing of the yew varieties and by far the most
popular, ‘Densiformis’ has fresh new growth throughout the growing season. Successful transplant is often the rule with this
variety and because of its rapid growth rate, large sizes are available. In this case, sometimes the best attribute can also be its
worst. ‘Densiformis’ can be more difficult to maintain because of this fast growth rate and should be placed in the landscape site
accordingly. Winter color is not as attractive as Taxus ‘Nigra’, turning a yellowish-brown as the cold sets in. A 8 year old plant
usually sizes up to 18-24”.
Taxus cuspidate – Japanese Spreading Yew - In this old time species of Taxus, its growth habit is rank giving the plant a
feathery look. The texture is coarser than other yews and trimming should be anticipated as well as a site with adequate space.
Best uses include mass planting. A 9 year old plant has an 18-24” spread.
Taxus x media ‘Tauntonii’ – Spreading Taunton Yew - This variety offers some unique advantages. The needles are slightly
variegated, giving the plant an olive green cast. It is extremely hardy and is the best yew selection when winter burn is an issue.
Also tolerates summer heat better than any other variety. A slow growth rate and low spreading growth make it an excellent
choice. A 9 year old plant is about 15-18” wide.
Taxus x media ‘Brownii Globe’ & ‘Brownii Spreader’ – Brownii Yew - A male variety, as hardy as ‘Denisformis’ but a bit
slower growing, ‘Brownii’ has found its niche in the yew community as the best variety for the global shaped yew. Best uses
include foundation planting and a low growing hedge behind the perennial garden, to add structure and solid background color to
truly highlight the showy part of the garden. A 9 year old plant is 18-24” wide.
UPRIGHT YEWS
Taxus x media ‘Hatfield Flat Top’ & ‘Hatfieldii Pyramid’ – Upright Hatfield Yew - A male selection with an upright growth
habit, ‘Hatfieldii Flat Top’ is excellent as a low maintenance hedge. Left untrimmed, it will reach a height of 10-12’. Generally
a broader and more vigorous grower than its upright counterpart, Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’. Taxus ‘Hatfieldii Pyramid’ is the
same variety, but sheared to a pyramidal shape. A 9 year old plant is 18-254” tall.
Taxus csupidata ‘Capitata’ – Capitata Yew – Often expensive because it is grown from seed. Perfect for formal entryways, the
lower branches remain very close to the ground. This variety is most sensitive to poorly drained sites. Relative to other yew
varieties, ‘Capitata’ is more apt to have transplant difficulties, although once established, it is extremely hardy and long-lived in
the landscape. A 12-14 year old plant is about 3 – 31/2’ tall.
Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’ – Hicks Yew - Compared to ‘Hatfieldii’, ‘Hicksii’ has a bigger, darker needle that retains its dark color
throughout the winter, is hardier, and will berry. The growth habit is more slender than the ‘Hatfieldii’ and its growth rate is
slower. Best use is as a hedge. A 9-year-old plant stands 18-24” tall.
Cheap Sam’s Plant Bargains
148 Morris Avenue
Holtsville, NY 11742
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