Canadian Yew Care Tips: How to Grow Canadian Yew

Canadian yew (Taxus canadensis) is a coniferous, shade-tolerant, understory shrub that can be found in forested swamps, bogs, ravines, and lakeshores. This yew species is known by several other common names, including American yew and ground hemlock. It is prolific throughout the northeastern region of North America and is a native plant in southeast Canada, including Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland. It can also be found in the northeastern United States in USDA hardiness zones one to four. It's especially prolific in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and New York but reaches as far west as Iowa, and as far south as North Carolina and Tennessee. Other common yew species include Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata), and English yew (Taxus baccata).

Canadian yew has dark green foliage and reddish-brown bark. It is a gymnosperm, meaning it produces a small fruit instead of flowers. The fruit of the Canadian yew is a small, berry-like cone called an aril. In mid-to-late summer, the fruit reaches peak maturity, turning bright red and opening to expose a single seed. These seeds are eaten by birds and spread by their droppings. The foliage of the Canadian yew spreads as low-lying growth, making it an excellent choice for ground cover. Mature shrubs can reach an average height of four feet and an average width of seven feet.

Consider these requirements before planting Canadian yew in your garden.

1. 1. Climate: For the best results, plant this coniferous evergreen shrub in USDA hardiness zones one to four.
2. 2. Light: Canadian yew will tolerate full shade and full sun, but it thrives in partial shade.
3. 3. Soil: Plant Canadian yew in well-draining, sandy loam with a neutral soil pH. Canadian yew will tolerate clay soil, but poor drainage could lead to root rot.
4. 4. Water: Canadian yew is a resilient plant and will tolerate drought and overwatering. However, it does best in evenly moist soil. For the first year of growth, keep young plants and seedlings regularly watered.
5. 5. Fertilizer: In the plant's second year, apply a granular, high-nitrogen fertilizer. Rake it into the soil, starting at the trunk and working your way out to the edges of the plant.
6. 6. Pruning: Pruning Canadian yew helps promote new growth. It is not essential to the plant's survival but can help keep the plant healthy and keep it from becoming unruly.

Canadian yew belongs to the Taxaceae family, a genus known for being toxic. The foliage, fruit, and bark of the Canadian yew should not be ingested by humans or pets. Avoid planting Canadian yew within reach of pets or small children.

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