Botanical Name: Taxus x media 'Densiformis'
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Common Name: Dense Spreading Yew  
Plant photo of: Taxus x media 'Densiformis'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Conifer, Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Poisonous

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

n/a

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

 

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:
  • Description

  • Notes

'Dense' is a useful evergreen for the average or smallish urban landscapes, as it as a low, spreading habit and grows about 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Branches are upright and arching, creating nice vertical to horizontal lines. New growth is bright green, maturing to a dark green. Berries are bright red, but are not suitable for human consumption. Use at the foundation or in a shady shrub border or hedge to provide winter interest.
It's a shame, but most folks who plant yews never get to enjoy it's beautiful, soft, bright yellow-green spring foliage because they are forever shearing or hedging the poor things. Select the right yew for the space, and prune it selectively in late winter, and you will find you spend a lot less time pruning. See the how-to's. Yews are not drought tolerant, really, but generally manage quite well on considerably less water than is usually offered. Plant so it receives morning sun or full shade, in good, well draining soil.