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Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aurea'
Golden Irish Yew
Cultivar of horticultural origin; species native from western Europe to western Asia
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Overview
Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata Aurea' is a narrowly columnar cultivar of English yew with golden-yellow new growth, a color sport of 'Fastigiata'. Trees reach 10-15 feet (3-4.6 m) tall and 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) wide at maturity over many decades at a growth rate of 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) per year — slightly slower than the green 'Fastigiata'. The crown is tightly columnar with multiple upright stems. Needles are arranged spirally around the stems as in 'Fastigiata'; new growth emerges yellow to golden-yellow and ages through yellow-green to darker green on older foliage, so the plant carries a mix of golden new growth against darker older foliage through the growing season. Color is most intense in full sun; plants in deep shade carry less yellow pigmentation and become predominantly green. Female plants produce bright red fleshy arils in autumn. All parts except the red aril flesh are highly toxic to humans, pets, and livestock.
Native Range
Cultivar of horticultural origin — a golden-foliaged sport of T. baccata 'Fastigiata'. Species T. baccata is native from western Europe east through the Mediterranean to western Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown as a vertical accent with color interest in formal gardens and mixed conifer plantings, spaced 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) from adjacent plants. The narrow 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) mature spread and golden foliage give contrast against dark green conifers. Full sun maximizes golden coloration. Sites where livestock, horses, or unsupervised pets can reach the foliage are not suitable — all parts except the red aril flesh are toxic. Hardy in zones 6-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Female plants produce seeds enclosed in bright red fleshy arils 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm), ripening in August-October. The red aril flesh is edible; all other parts including the seed inside the aril are highly toxic.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
bright red fleshy arils on female plantsFoliage Description
new growth emerges golden-yellow and ages through yellow-green to dark green on older foliage; needles radiate spirally around the stems, 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm); golden color is most intense in full sun and fades toward green in shadeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Site in full sun to partial shade (4-12 hours direct sun) in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5; a wide range of soil types is tolerated, including clay, chalk, and slightly alkaline substrates. Waterlogged sites are not suitable — good drainage is required. Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate moderate drought. Golden coloration is most intense in full sun; plants in deep shade become predominantly green. The columnar form may splay open under heavy snow, so cable or rubber straps can be wrapped around the crown in autumn. All parts except the red aril flesh are highly toxic to humans, pets, and livestock; sites where livestock or unsupervised pets can reach the foliage are not suitable. Hardy in zones 6-9.Pruning
No pruning is required to maintain the columnar form. Light trimming of wayward shoots in late spring (May-June) keeps the silhouette tidy. The plant regenerates from old wood if heavy pruning is needed. Strapping multiple stems together in autumn prevents snow-damage splaying. Dead wood can be removed at any time.Pruning Schedule
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late springsummer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons