Description

Taxus Beanpole is a remarkably slim, columnar yew selected for its tight, upright habit that fits where most evergreens won’t. Cloaked in glossy, dark-green needles year-round, it builds vertical structure without overwhelming small gardens, entries, or patios. Growth is slow to moderate, keeping its narrow outline with minimal clipping, yet it responds beautifully to pruning for crisp, architectural lines. Like other yews, it tolerates sun to shade, urban conditions, and periodic drought once established, provided the soil drains freely. Female plants may develop showy red arils in late summer to fall if a male yew is nearby; note that seeds and foliage are toxic if ingested.

Suggested Uses

• Vertical accent for tight spaces
• Formal entrances & flanking doorways
• Narrow hedging & screening
• Containers on patios/terraces
• Foundation planting
• Topiary & geometric forms
• Mixed borders for evergreen structure
• Shade-tolerant evergreen backbone

Plant Details

• Botanical NameTaxus × media ‘Beanpole’ (often sold as Taxus ‘Beanpole’)
• Common NameTaxus Beanpole (Beanpole Yew)
• Size & GrowthTypically 8–15 ft tall x 1.5–3 ft wide in 10–15 years; extremely narrow, columnar habit; slow to moderate growth (~6–12 in/year with good care).
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 4–7 (possibly 8 in sheltered, well-drained sites).
• Foliage TypeEvergreen conifer; dense, glossy, dark-green needles with bright new flushes in spring.
• Bloom TimeInconspicuous in spring; female plants may bear red arils late summer to fall if pollinated.
• Growth RateSlow to moderate; maintains tight, vertical habit naturally.
• Light RequirementsFull sun to partial shade; tolerates considerable shade, but the densest habit occurs with at least several hours of sun.
• Attracts PollinatorsLow — wind-pollinated; fleshy arils (on females) may be eaten by birds.
• Indoor FriendlyNot recommended as a houseplant; best grown outdoors year-round.
• Container FriendlyYes — excellent in large, well-drained containers for patios and entries.
• Deer ResistantNo Frequently browsed — protect young plants with fencing or repellents in deer-prone areas.
• Pet WarningHighly toxic if ingested (all parts except the fleshy aril); keep away from pets and livestock.
• FragrantNo — foliage is not noticeably fragrant.
• Cut FlowerFoliage is excellent, long-lasting greenery for floral and winter arrangements.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Hellebores, Heuchera, ferns (Dryopteris, Polystichum), Boxwood, Hakonechloa, Hostas, Astilbe, Hydrangea (in suitable light/soil).

Note: Yews are salt-sensitive and dislike poorly drained soils. Choose sites away from road salt and sump discharge.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Space 18–24 in apart for a tight column hedge, or allow 3+ ft from walls for specimens. Dig a hole 2× the root ball width and the same depth. Tease out circling roots, set with the root flare at grade, backfill with native soil, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 in (keep mulch off the stem).
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first 1–2 years; water deeply when the top 2 in of soil are dry. Once established, yews tolerate short dry spells but perform best with consistent moisture. Do not allow prolonged soggy conditions.
• Soil TypeWell-drained loam or sandy loam; amend heavy clay with coarse bark or grit to improve drainage. pH slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (≈6.0–7.5). Avoid salt-laden sites.
• HumidityAverage outdoor humidity is ideal. Ensure good air flow; avoid dense plantings that trap moisture around foliage.
• Pruning InstructionsShape in late winter to early spring, or lightly shear after spring flush (late spring/early summer). Yews back-bud on older wood, but make major reductions gradually over 2–3 seasons. Maintain the top slightly narrower than the base for light penetration.
• Winter CareWater well before ground freeze and maintain 2–3 in of mulch. In windy, exposed sites (esp. Zone 4), consider burlap windbreaks to reduce winter burn. Avoid de-icing salt exposure.
• Planting DepthSet the top of the root ball level with surrounding soil; keep the root flare visible. Never bury the stem or mound soil against the trunk.
• FertilizationLow feeder. In early spring, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer for evergreens at label rates or top-dress with compost. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds after midsummer.
• Special CareDioecious: female plants fruit if a male yew is nearby. All parts (except arils) are toxic if ingested. Protect from deer browsing. For containers, use a large pot with drainage, high-quality potting mix, and shelter in winter to prevent root freeze-thaw cycling.