Taxus baccata Fastigiata Aurea (Irish Yew)

Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata Aurea’ (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, bright yellow to lime-green needles. This female cultivar produces conspicuous, coral-red seed-bearing cones that contrast beautifully with the foliage.

Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aurea' (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, bright yellow to lime-green needles. This female cultivar produces conspicuous, coral-red seed-bearing cones that contrast beautifully with the foliage. A moderate grower, 6-12 in. per year (15-30 cm), this golden Irish Yew is ideal for providing year-round structure. Forming a splendid exclamation point in the landscape, it makes a wonderful specimen plant. Perfect for foundations or hedges.

  • Grows up to 4-10 ft. tall (120-300 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm) after 10 years; 15-30 ft. tall (450-900 cm) and 4-8 ft wide (120-240 cm) at maturity.
  • 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.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or grafting
  • Most parts, especially the seeds, are highly toxic by ingestion. The taxine alkaloids contained in yew berries, needles or bark are poisonous.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
  • Native to Europe, Atlas Mountains, Asia Minor, Caucauses.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 8

Heat Zones 7
– 8

Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Shrubs
Plant Family Taxus – Yews
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 4'
– 30'
(120cm
– 9m)
Spread 2'
– 8'
(60cm
– 240cm)
Spacing 96″ (240cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden