Knowledgebase
Identification of garden yew plant #864221
Asked April 12, 2024, 10:10 AM EDT
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for your question and pictures. Canada yew is our native plant, followed by Japanese yew which is non-native. Canada yew reaches a height of about 6 feet and is often found in shady north-facing slopes in forested areas. Their buds have a sharp tip and the leaves are sharply pointed. Also, the bark on a Canadian yew are thin brown to reddish and somewhat scaly or flaky. Your pictures show the pointed leaves, but without additional information, it's hard for me to say definitively if it's native. Is this planted in the foundation of your house or where is it growing? Also, how big is your yew?
Here is a link to more information on Canada yew:
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/taxus-canadensis/
Hi Shana - Your yew is certainly spectacular and such as nice shape, probably from some good pruning. I would suggest from your pictures of the entire plant, size and scaly bark that it is a native Canada yew. I will say this with caution since it's hard to positively identify species from pictures. I would suggest bringing a branch showing the bark to a reputable nursery and see if they can identify it. Regardless, it is a nice addition to the front of your house.
Happy gardening!