Taxus baccata 'FASTIGIATA ROBUSTA'

Yews could be called common shrubs, where common not only means omnipresent but mainly dull. Well, perhaps for someone. We see yew and predominantly its varieties as very useful and attractive features of gardens of almost any size. They vary by size, shape and even foliage colour.

Fastigiata Robusta is a slender growing variety of columnar yew that originated probably in Italy in 1950. It is similar to its parent variety Fastigiata but much slimmer, like a model who prefers not to eat to stay slim forever. The needles are dark green, glossy, longer than on the species, and evergreen. Its strictly upright growth can be used in any type of garden where a vertical feature is required.

Now a few words about its toxicity. The whole plant is slightly poisonous for humans but extremely poisonous for horses. Its beautiful red fruits are also said to be dangerous for people but the truth is that only the seeds contain a certain amount of substance that could be dangerous only if bitten into. As a matter of interest the flesh of the berries is found sweet and delicious for many and if the seed is spat out you can expect no harm. Also, tests proved that seeds not bitten into will go through the digestion system causing no harm. Well, our final suggestion is to use this plant as a decorative item in your garden, not a dessert.

Yews are easy to grow. They can take almost any soil type from acidic to alkaline, just make sure the soil is not waterlogged. They will do well in full sun as well as shade. They can take pruning but this variety might lose it slim habit if you start cutting off its top. Hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 06-01-2011