Brownii Yew

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8-10 Feet

Mature Spread

6-10+ Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 7

The dense form and glossy green needles of the Brownii Yew make this conifer shrub stand out. Also known as Taxus x media 'Brownii,' this shrub offers consistent greenery and texture to a landscape. Yew shrubs are drought tolerant and easy to maintain once established. Let the shrub look natural, or prune the branches for a formal appearance.

The Brownii Yew grows rather large and can stand up to 10 feet tall, making it an excellent privacy screen to feature along a property line or around a pool or outdoor space. As an evergreen, this shrub provides color and effectively blocks views year-round. This yew is a male shrub, so it doesn’t produce fruit. The lack of fruit means the shrub puts all its energy into new growth and will not attract small animals looking for something to eat. The Brownii Yew is rabbit resistant for added convenience and grows in zones 4 through 7.

Brownii Yew Care

The Brownii Yew needs full to partial sun, so select a spot with at least 5 hours of direct sun for a full and healthy shrub. A rich, slightly alkaline soil with good drainage is preferred, although yews can live in lower-quality soils or clay. Water new yews consistently for the first year, and during a dry period thereafter. Fertilize the yew annually each spring using a high-nitrogen plant food.

Pruning is not required, but annual spring pruning encourages new growth and creates a dense shrub. Trim branches at the joint, where they separate from other branches. Overgrown shrubs can handle a rejuvenating cut to reset and start over.

Brownii Yew Spacing

The Brownii Yew can grow 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide. Space shrubs 6 feet apart to create a hedge or consistent wall of greenery.