Description
Taxus Maureen is a refined, upright yew prized for its slim, architectural silhouette and lush, deep-green evergreen needles. Naturally forming a tight column with minimal pruning, it’s ideal where height is desired without sacrificing space—think formal entrances, narrow hedging, or contemporary garden lines. Tolerant of pruning and adaptable to a wide range of light conditions, Taxus Maureen offers year-round structure and an elegant, low-maintenance presence.
Like other yews, flowers are inconspicuous; female plants may produce ornamental red arils in late summer to fall if a compatible male yew is nearby. Note: all vegetative parts and seeds are toxic if ingested.
Plant Details
Botanical Name
Taxus Maureen
Common Name
Taxus Maureen
Size & Growth
Typically 8–12 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide; naturally narrow, columnar habit. Easy to maintain at smaller sizes with light clipping.
Hardiness Zones
USDA 4–7 (thrives in cool to temperate regions; protect from extreme winter wind/sun in exposed sites).
Foliage Type
Evergreen conifer with dense, glossy, dark-green needle-like leaves; year-round structure and color.
Bloom Time
Inconspicuous spring bloom; female plants may bear red arils late summer–fall when pollinated.
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate (about 6–12 in / 15–30 cm per year under average conditions).
Light Requirements
Full sun to part shade; tolerates bright shade (densest habit with some direct sun).
Attracts Pollinators
Not a pollinator plant (wind-pollinated). Birds may eat the fleshy arils; seeds are toxic.
Indoor Friendly
No—best grown outdoors; requires seasonal light and airflow not typical indoors.
Container Friendly
Yes—excellent in large, well-drained containers; ideal for entrances and patios.
Deer Resistant
Low—deer commonly browse yews; protect with fencing or repellents where pressure is high.
Pet Warning
Toxic if ingested (all parts except aril flesh); keep away from pets, livestock, and children.
Fragrant
No noticeable floral fragrance.
Cut Flower
Foliage is useful as long-lasting greenery in floral arrangements; not a flowering cut.
Grows Well With
Hosta, Heuchera, Helleborus, ferns, Hydrangea, Boxwood, Rhododendron/Azalea, Japanese forest grass.
Care Tips
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring or fall. Dig a hole 2–3× wider than the root ball, no deeper than the root flare. Backfill mostly with native soil amended with compost, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 in (5–8 cm) keeping mulch off the stem.
Soil Moisture
Keep evenly moist the first growing season; thereafter moderately drought tolerant. Avoid standing water or chronically saturated soils.
Soil Type
Fertile, well-drained loam is ideal; tolerates clay if drainage is improved. pH neutral to slightly alkaline is fine (approx. 6.0–7.5).
Humidity
Average outdoor humidity. Ensure good airflow; avoid persistent leaf wetness to reduce disease risk.
Pruning Instructions
Clip lightly in late winter to early spring to shape; a second light trim in mid-summer if needed. Yews tolerate renovation pruning; avoid heavy cuts late in fall to prevent winter tip burn.
Winter Care
Water deeply before ground freeze, apply 2–3 in mulch, and shield from strong winter wind/sun in exposed sites (burlap wrap where necessary). Protect from de-icing salt spray.
Planting Depth
Set at the same depth as in the nursery pot; keep the root flare at or slightly above surrounding grade for best drainage and oxygen exchange.
Fertilization
Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer (e.g., 8‑8‑8 or 10‑10‑10), or top‑dress with compost. Avoid high‑nitrogen feeding in late summer.
Special Care
All parts (especially seeds) are toxic if ingested—site away from grazing animals and supervise pets/children. Protect from deer browsing. For fruit set, ensure a male yew nearby. In windy locations, stake young plants to maintain straight leaders.
