Taxus

Taxus - New Zealand’s Best Irish Yew Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Taxus trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Taxus trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Taxus

1. How fast does Taxus grow?

The growth rate of Taxus, commonly known as yew, varies depending on the species, growing conditions, and individual plant. However, in general, Taxus trees are considered to be slow to moderately fast growers. Young yew trees can grow as much as 30 centimeters (12 inches) per year, while mature trees may only grow a few centimetres per year.

2. Are Taxus and yew the same?

es, "Taxus" and "yew" are the same thing. "Taxus" is the scientific genus name for yew trees, while "yew" is the common name for the genus. There are several species of yew trees, but the most common species in Europe is Taxus baccata, which is also known as English yew or European yew.

3. Do yew trees grow in New Zealand?

The Yew Tree found in New Zealand is Taxus baccata, also known as English yew or European yew. This species is not native to New Zealand, but it has been introduced and cultivated as an ornamental tree. English yews are often found in gardens and parks.

4. Is Taxus poisonous?

Yes, all parts of the Taxus plant, except for the fleshy red arils, are poisonous. The toxicity is due to the presence of taxines, a group of alkaloids that can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and seizures. In severe cases, taxine poisoning can lead to death.

The most poisonous parts of the Taxus plant are the leaves, which contain the highest concentration of taxines. However, all parts of the plant, including the bark, seeds, and arils, contain some amount of taxines and can be poisonous if ingested.

Symptoms of taxine poisoning usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion. The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of taxines ingested and the individual's sensitivity to the poison. In mild cases, symptoms may be limited to nausea and vomiting. However, in severe cases, symptoms can include seizures, coma, and death.

5. Where is the best place to plant a yew tree?

Choosing the right place to plant a yew tree is crucial for its healthy growth and thriving lifespan. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the ideal location for your yew tree:

1. Sunlight: Yew trees can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. However, they generally prefer bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Avoid planting them in deep shade, as this can hinder their development and lead to leggy, sparse growth.
2. Soil: Yew trees thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH. Avoid planting them in heavy, clay soils or areas with poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot and stunted growth. If your soil is not ideal, consider amending it with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Spacing: Yew trees can grow quite large, reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall in some species. When planting multiple yew trees, ensure adequate spacing to allow them to mature without crowding each other. A minimum spacing of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) is recommended between trees.
4. Wind protection: While yew trees are relatively wind-tolerant, it's advisable to plant them in locations with some protection from strong winds, especially in areas prone to severe storms. Planting them near buildings, existing trees, or sheltered spots can help reduce wind damage and promote healthy growth.
5. Moisture: Yew trees prefer moist soil but can tolerate some periods of dryness. Regular watering is essential during the first few years after planting to establish a strong root system. Once established, yew trees are relatively drought-tolerant and can survive with occasional watering during dry spells.
6. Considerations for specific species: Different yew species may have slightly different preferences regarding sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels. It's always a good idea to research the specific requirements of the yew species you intend to plant to ensure you provide the optimal conditions for its success.
7. Avoiding potential hazards: When selecting a planting location, avoid areas where yew trees could pose a hazard to people or property. Avoid planting them near power lines, walkways, or areas where children frequently play. Yew trees should also be kept away from water sources to prevent contamination.

By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that your yew tree has the best chance of thriving in its chosen location, providing years of beauty and enjoyment.

6. What is the lifespan of a yew?

Yew trees are known for their longevity, with some specimens estimated to be over 1,000 years old. The oldest known yew tree in the world is located in Sweden and is estimated to be over 5,000 years old.

7. What are the characteristics of Taxus?

Taxus, commonly known as yew, is a genus of evergreen conifers belonging to the Taxaceae family. They are characterized by their needle-like leaves, reddish-brown bark, and fleshy, red-colored arils that surround their seeds. Yew trees are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from North America to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

• Evergreen foliage: Yew trees are evergreen, meaning they retain their needle-like leaves throughout the year. This adaptation allows them to photosynthesize and grow even during cold or dry periods.
• Needle-like leaves: The leaves of yew trees are flattened, linear, and pointed, resembling needles. They are arranged spirally on the stem, with a slightly twisted base that gives them a two-ranked appearance. The leaves are typically dark green on top and paler green or yellowish-green underneath.
• Reddish-brown bark: The bark of yew trees is thin, scaly, and reddish-brown or purple-brown in color. As the tree matures, the bark becomes more fissured and corky.
• Fleshy arils: Yew trees produce highly modified seed cones, each containing a single seed surrounded by a fleshy, red-colored structure called an aril. The aril is not part of the seed itself but rather a modified scale that attracts birds and other animals to disperse the seeds.
• Dioecious or monoecious: Most Taxus species are dioecious, meaning that male and female cones are produced on separate trees. However, a few species are monoecious, meaning that both male and female cones are produced on the same tree.
• Slow to moderately fast growth: Yew trees are generally slow to moderately fast growers, with some species taking several decades to reach maturity. However, they are also known for their longevity, with some individuals estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
• Adaptable to various conditions: Yew trees are relatively adaptable to a range of growing conditions, including different soil types, light levels, and moisture levels. They are often found in forests, woodlands, and gardens, and some species can tolerate urban environments.
• Poisonous parts: All parts of the yew plant, except for the fleshy red arils, are poisonous due to the presence of taxines, alkaloids that can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Ingestion of large amounts of taxines can be fatal.
• Cultural and historical significance: Yew trees have long held cultural and historical significance in various societies. They have been used for medicinal purposes, ornamental landscaping, and even as a source of lumber for longbows.

In summary, Taxus trees are a fascinating and diverse group of conifers with unique characteristics that have made them significant plants throughout human history. Their evergreen foliage, needle-like leaves, reddish-brown bark, fleshy arils, slow growth, adaptability, and cultural significance make them an intriguing addition to the natural world.

8. What is a Taxus also known as?

Taxus, commonly known as yew, is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the family Taxaceae. They are also known by several other names, including:

• English yew: This is the most common name for Taxus baccata, the most common species of yew in Europe.
• European yew: Another common name for Taxus baccata, reflecting its distribution across Europe.
• Japanese yew: This is the common name for Taxus cuspidata, a species native to Japan, Korea, and China.
• Pacific yew: This is the common name for Taxus brevifolia, a species native to the Pacific Northwest of North America.
• Totara: This is the common name for Podocarpus totara, a species native to New Zealand that is sometimes classified as a yew tree.
• Id yew: This is the common name for Taxus wallichiana, a species native to the Himalayas.

In addition to these common names, Taxus trees are also known by a variety of regional and vernacular names. For example, in the United Kingdom, Taxus baccata is also known as the churchyard yew, due to its frequent presence in churchyards.