Tasso

Class

Pinopsida

Division

Pinophyta

Family

Taxaceae

Order

Pinales

Genus

Taxus

Species

baccata

Description

Upright evergreen tree with dense, expansive foliage that lends ornamental value further accentuated by the numerous red arils that punctuate the shiny needle-like foliage in autumn. Suitable, either as a single specimen or in groups, for medium to large outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, large flower beds as well as for rows and hedges.

Variety description

A tree-like plant, which is also found as a shrub in the wild and in cultivation. There are very significant and valued monumental specimens. Medium to large tree, free-standing, with irregular, open rounded crown. Persistent, glossy dark green leaves, flowering in spring not significant, the fruits are red, fleshy and decorative arils. The bark is reddish and decorative. It is rustic and adaptable to various types of soils and growing environments, including urban climates. Requires a sunny exposure. Robust tree that develops a root system both above and below ground with many secondary roots. Very large and strong primary roots. Any other plant near the root area does not develop. Prefers clay and sandy soils, but grows well in all soil types. Tree with excellent botanical and functional performance for various types of landscape use. Very hard and sought-after wood. Suitable for park areas in isolated form or small groups; suitable for forming hedges and rows in parks and medium to large areas. Also suitable for roadside rows in sufficiently large areas and for reforestation as it is a native species. Resistant to pathogens and does not require pruning. The 'fastigiata' and 'fastigiata aurea' varieties, which are columnar in size, are very good.

Curiosities and special features

The Yew is also referred to as the 'Tree of Death' due to the high poisonousness of the young twigs, leaves and seeds containing taxin, a toxic alkaloid with cardiac action.

Origin and distribution

Native species of the range including the Azores, Europe, northern Iran and north-western Africa.

Leaf

The leaves are needle-shaped and flat, arranged in two rows covering the twigs.

Flowering period

The inconspicuous flowering occurs in early spring.

Leaf colour

Unicoloured, with dark green upper page and lighter lower page.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 30 m, depending on the growing conditions.

The Yew is a tree-like plant that is also found as a shrub in nature and in cultivation.

Lifespan

Evergreen, polyennial Species.

Where to plant

Taxus baccata represents a tree with excellent botanical and functional performance for various types of landscaping use, being suitable for flower beds, flowerbeds, balconies, planters, gardens and parks, rock gardens, large flower beds and roadside roundabouts, large pots, in flower beds or outdoor borders in temperate zones., hedges, terraces, outdoor pools

Stem

The stem is woody and gnarled with reddish bark with vertical wrinkles that flakes off in longitudinal plates with age; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a crown-like corolla and shaded petals. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

A long-lived plant with medium to vigorous growth; there are very significant and valued monumental specimens in Italy.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect and free-standing with irregularly dense, expanded and rounded foliage. There are varieties such as 'Fastigiata' and 'Fastigiata aurea' with small columnar habitus.

Branching

Theabundant branching allows for a dense and thick foliage.

PH

Requires a substrate or soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in late spring or mid-autumn, choose the most suitable location, depending on the needs of the plant, and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third the size of the root or root ball volume, removing any weeds and bulky pebbles. Bury sand if the soil is too compact and does not drain well, also add organic matter and granular organic or chemical fertiliser for ornamental plants. Finally, distribute professional substrate about 5/10 cm on the surface.

Sun exposure

Suitable for different types of exposure such as half shade, bright shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

Theideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C. It prefers a cool climate but tolerates both summer heat and winter cold, even in icy conditions.

Use

Multifunctional species, appreciated in:

Ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping Plants for environmental consolidation Plants for timber production

Hardiness

Ahighly hardy plant, it has good adaptability to various types of soils and growing environments, including urban climates.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, but prefers medium, structured, well-draining soil with organic matter. For possible use in pots, use a substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Following proper enfranchisement at the new planting site, yew cultivation is easy, requiring a low level of management effort.

Growing tips

Here are some cultivation tips and specific aspects to achieve better vegetative growth:

Balanced fertilisation Plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates, and also thrives in frozen soil conditions. Prefers slightly calcareous water Prefers cool climate Can be planted in sunny or half-shaded beds. Correct pruning

Planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 2000 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

It is advisable to place the root ball in the planting hole making sure that the soil is soft, with drainage capacity but also well endowed with organic substance. Keep the plant's collar out of the soil surface and compact it well to avoid the formation of air pockets that can compromise proper rooting, and water immediately after planting without causing water stagnation.

Pruning

The yew tree is a plant that tolerates pruning if it is carried out appropriately. Pruning is an operation that follows the cultivation and training of the plant throughout its life, by which shape and size is given to the yew tree according to the wishes of the end user. Indiscriminate pruning of the stem and branches by means of 'pruning' not only leads to an alteration of the natural habitus of the plant, but also to a lower resistance to biotic and abiotic agents as well as to a greater danger of the entire specimen failing.

Repotting

Repot every two to three years depending on the plant's development.

Watering

When transplanting, assist the plant to allow it to develop its root system in the best possible way in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and give quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons. It is advisable to use non-calcareous water.

Fertilising

When preparing the soil for transplanting, carry out basic fertilisation by applying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants. After planting in the new planting site, make balanced fertilisation in spring and autumn without over- or under-fertilising.

Pet safety

Causes ingestion toxicity in animals.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Yew contains the alkaloid taxin, which causes toxicity by ingestion.

Tip

Continue with light annual training pruning, trimming the apexes of the side branches and leaving the apex intact. If growing a tree with a tall crown, remove the low branches and stack the crown from the desired height. It is usually useful for a tree to have a free stem 2.20 metres from the collar. If you grow a low crown yew tree, leave all branches from the base and reduce the lateral volume of the crown.