The Irish Yew (Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata') is a striking evergreen conifer known for its tall, narrow, columnar form and dense, dark green foliage. Unlike the broader, spreading shape of the common yew, the Irish Yew grows upright and compact, often reaching 15 to 30 feet tall but only 4 to 8 feet wide. Its tightly packed, needle-like leaves give it a formal, sculptural appearance, making it a favorite for vertical accents in gardens, cemetery plantings, and classical landscape designs. The foliage remains rich and glossy year-round, offering dependable structure and color through every season.
This slow-growing, long-lived tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to a range of soils, provided they are well-drained. Its tolerance to pruning makes it ideal for topiary work or creating evergreen screens in tight spaces. Female plants may produce small, red, berry-like arils that add a subtle ornamental touch and attract birds. Though all parts of the yew are toxic if ingested, the Irish Yew’s stately form, ease of maintenance, and architectural beauty make it a valued choice for formal and traditional gardens.
Stop into any of our locations and allow one of our expertly trained nursery professionals to help you with your landscape design and show you how to incorporate beautiful trees like these into your yard.
