Common Yew (Lúr) Often found as a very ancient tree, Taxus baccata is a medium-sized to large, rather slow-growing, evergreen tree with beautiful red bark and a dense, bushy, spreading habit. The very narrow, leathery leaves are very dark green, in pairs on either side of the shoot. Insignificant flowers appear in spring, and are followed, on female trees, by red fruits, which persist into winter, and are attractive to birds; birds also like the dense habit of the tree. Be aware that the tree is poisonous. Yew makes an excellent hedge and topiary, and tolerates hard clipping. Yew trees do not need any pruning. Common yew holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any well-drained soilPosition: Full sun, full shade or partial shadeSeason of interest: All year; on female trees, autumn in particularHardiness: Exceptionally hardyHeight: over 49’ (12m) Spread: over 26’ (8m) in 20-50 years