common yew

Large, upright, broad, slow growing evergreen tree, conifer (H 10-15 m, W 7-10 m), often multi-stemmed, eventually or bushy shrub. Crown broadly oval, dense. Bark red-brown to dark brown, flaky. Young shoots green, later red-brown. Needles wide, flat (2-3 cm), very dark green. Flowers unisexual, male and female flowers on separate plants; male inflorescence very numerous, yellow, female flowers green. Flowering period: March-April. Fruits produced on female plants only, ovate (0,5-0,8 cm), fleshy, juicy, light red. Ripening time: August-October. Very long-lived, healthy and adaptable species. Requires fertile, sufficiently drained, moderately moist soils. Easily withstands cold, occasional drought, wind, poor soils, urban conditions and hard pruning.