Knowledgebase

Identification of garden yew plant #864221

Asked April 12, 2024, 10:10 AM EDT

Hi there, I am trying to figure out if my yew plants are native or non-native. If non-native, I'd like to replace them. I'm having trouble identifying. Do you think this is a Canadian yew or another one? Thanks!

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/


An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 13, 2024, 11:12 AM EDT
Thank you!! This is planted next to the foundation. I have not dug down to see if it's in the foundation. It's about 6-7 feet tall, though the previous owner had them well groomed. They are about 6-7 feet wide as well. They are on the east side of the house. Again, I'm not sure how much that is due to previous grooming. I am new to the house. Thank you!! 

Here is a link to more pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ST8Cp6swarrRRU9v5

On Sat, Apr 13, 2024 at 10:12 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied April 13, 2024, 12:01 PM EDT

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!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 14, 2024, 7:42 PM EDT
Thank you so much!!

On Sun, Apr 14, 2024, 6:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 07, 2024, 9:01 AM EDT

Loading ...