Plant type

Evergreen shrub or tree

Height

10-20m x 8-10m

Wildlife benefit

Bird (berries and shelter), bee and moth caterpillar plant

  • A handsome shrub or tree of slow to moderate growth. Produces red berries, set against dark green foliage.
  • Tolerant of chalky or acid soils, sun or shade, this is a tough evergreen provided it does not become waterlogged. Unusual in conifers, yew will regrow if cut back hard into old wood.
  • Fruits eaten by Blackbird, Blackcap, Fieldfare, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Jay, Mistle thrush, Moorhen, Nuthatch, Redstart, Robin, Song thrush, Starling, Tits, Waxwing and Woodpigeon.
  • Favoured nesting site for Wren.
  • Bees may visit for pollen.
  • Black Arches Moth caterpillar food plant.