The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Amersfoort English yew

Family: Taxaceae (yew family)

Synonym: Taxus cuspidata 'Amersfoort'

Distribution: Species native to Europe, n. Africa and w. Asia

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Evergreen shrub

Comments: This is a small, slow-growing, evergreen conifer with ascending main branches and very distinctive flattened, oval leaves. The leaves are reminiscent of boxwood. This curious plant slowly builds up a stiff upright growth habit. It grows 3-4' high and about half as wide in 10 years. Can grow in full sun or full shade and tolerates dry locations like few other plants. Avoid wet soil.