Description
Taxus baccata 'David' shrub 30-35 cm C2 | David's yew
David's yew shrub is Taxus baccata 'David', supplied in shrub form. Its upright, narrow columnar habit gives it a clear vertical presence in a UK garden, while its yellow-green foliage stays evergreen throughout the year. This combination makes it a structural shrub with colour that remains part of the garden in every season. It grows slowly and tolerates pruning, so its narrow outline can be maintained as part of a formal design. At maturity, it reaches about 300 cm tall; no mature width is supplied. Yellow flowers are recorded for this cultivar, though they are not described as a major ornamental feature. The product data states that it does not bear fruit. Like other yews, this plant is poisonous if swallowed, so keep it away from children and pets. David’s yew belongs to the Taxus genus. Its distinct shrub form is the key to its use as a vertical feature, whether planted alone, in a group or as part of a hedge.
Key features of David's yew (Taxus baccata 'David')
- Foliage and form: This is an evergreen shrub with yellow-green foliage and an upright, narrow columnar habit. Its foliage keeps colour in the garden throughout the year, while the slender outline creates a defined vertical accent. The leaf shape is not specified.
- Flowers and season: The supplied product information records yellow flowers in March and April. Flowering is a characteristic of the plant, but is not presented as a prominent ornamental feature. No wildlife value is confirmed in the product data.
- Position and soil: David's yew grows in full sun or partial shade. It prefers humus-rich, calcareous soil that is well drained. The information does not give a numerical pH value.
Uses of David's yew shrub in the garden
- Hedging: The supplied shrub form and narrow, upright habit suit use as a hedge plant. Its columnar outline gives the planting a clear vertical character, and its evergreen foliage provides colour throughout the year. See David's yew hedge plants.
- Specimen or group planting: Planted as a specimen, this yew can provide a distinct vertical feature. In a group, several shrubs can bring a repeated upright outline to the garden. The product data also lists group planting as a suitable use.
- Hardiness and combinations: The supplied hardiness range is approximately -23.3°C to -17.8°C, corresponding to USDA zone 6. Conditions can vary between UK gardens. For a contrast in the planting, combine its yellow-green evergreen foliage or narrow outline with other shrubs or garden plants.
With its year-round foliage and defined upright form, David's yew shrub is suited to hedging, specimen planting or group planting. It is poisonous if swallowed, so keep it away from children and pets.
