Scientific Name
Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’
Hicks yew is one of many cultivars of a hybrid between the European (or common) yew (Taxus baccata) and the Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata). Yews in urban landscaping are most often used as low or very low evergreen foundation plantings, where they rarely attract much attention. It’s refreshing to see these two more treelike yews growing near Claver Hall. Their form is a dark green, densely compact pyramid achieved without pruning (a practice yews tolerate extremely well, especially in topiary). These two are approaching the typical mature height of 20 feet for their type.
Yew species can be extremely difficult to distinguish from each other, and even more so when it comes to hybrids and cultivars. For that reason, we rely on the designation provided by these trees’ original purveyors. Yews, in general, are extremely long-lived, with some English specimens exceeding 3,000 years of age. The wood is of very high quality and is prized for bow making, engraving and furniture making. Care must be taken around yews, however, since almost all parts are toxic if ingested, although there is no danger from contact with the plant. Yews are either male or female, and the latter produce seeds surrounded by a bright red fleshy structure called an aril. Hicks yew can be either a male or a female clone, with the female being more commonly planted for its red “berries.” However, for these to develop, pollination by a male yew is required, and other yews nearby serve that purpose.