Other Names:  Common Yew

Description:

This variety forms a small tree with tiers of wide spreading branches, with weeping branchlets of dark green leaves; interesting red berries, has numerous applications, takes pruning well

Ornamental Features

Dovaston Yew is primarily valued in the landscape for its ornamental upright and spreading habit of growth. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage which emerges light green in spring. The ferny sprays of foliage are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. The fruits are showy red drupes displayed from early to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Dovaston Yew is an evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and can be pruned at anytime. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Dovaston Yew is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Vertical Accent
• Hedges/Screening
• Topiary

Planting & Growing

Dovaston Yew will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 120 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree does best in a location that gets morning sunlight but is shaded from the hot afternoon sun, although it will also grow in full shade. Keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.