Anglojap yew
Taxus x media
Anglojap yew (Taxus x media) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–12 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide, slow-growing, needs medium water, and prefers partial shade to dappled sun to deep shade. Winter sun and wind scorch yews on the Front Range. They need an east or north exposure, shade from afternoon sun, shelter from drying winds, and drained soil; in full sun or soggy clay they brown out and die. The only broadly shade-tolerant needled evergreen shrub for Colorado, so worth the careful siting.
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Taxus x media
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Taunton', 'Densiformis', 'Hicksii'
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 3–12 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8 ft apart (6 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hedge use
- Formal, shearable hedge
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–7
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in partial shade; tolerates dappled sun, deep shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Cool north foundations, Dry shade under conifers
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Root rot in wet clay; the most common cause of death
- Winter desiccation burn on exposed sites
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water consistently for the first three years and monthly in dry winters; winter watering prevents desiccation burn.
- Pruning: shearable.
- Fruit: ornamental.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Anglojap yew good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Anglojap yew is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Anglojap yew get?
- It matures to about 3–12 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Anglojap yew?
- Space Anglojap yew about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Anglojap yew hardy on the Front Range?
- Anglojap yew is hardy in USDA 4–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Anglojap yew need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Anglojap yew grow?
- Anglojap yew is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Anglojap yew safe for dogs?
- No. Anglojap yew is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Anglojap yew deer-resistant?
- No. Anglojap yew is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Anglojap yew prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Anglojap yew can be affected by root rot in wet clay; the most common cause of death and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- Is Anglojap yew a good hedge plant?
- Yes. Anglojap yew takes shearing well and can be kept as a clipped, formal hedge, or left looser as an informal screen.
