American yew
Taxus canadensis
USDA zones3 to 7
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall6 to 8 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
American yew (Taxus canadensis) is a shrub for ground cover, shade gardens, woodland settings, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The evergreen needles turn reddish-brown in winter, and bright-red, berry-like fruit grows at the branch tips. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Give it protection from winter sun and wind.
Pairs well with Sedge, Cinnamon fern, and Paper birch.
Native range
CT, IA, IL, IN, and 22 more places. See all 26
CT, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV; MB, NB, NL, NS, and PE.