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Yew

A thick, nearly impenetrable yew hedge is a formidable sight when made up of tall specimens. Unfortunately, the taller the plant, the more time-consuming trimming can be, which is why most homeowners stick with shorter varieties.

Yews feature flat evergreen needles, and female plants are full of red berries in fall if a male pollinator is close by. The berries are prized by birds, but the seeds within are poisonous to people and pets. Consider using only male plants if you have pets or young children.

There are hundreds of species and cultivars. Some of the most popular are Hicks yew, growing 25 feet tall, and ‘Densiformis,’ which is only about four feet tall. Both are hardy in Zones 5 through 7. Farther south, Irish yew reaches 30 feet tall in Zones 7 and 8. Yews prefer full to part sun but can grow in full shade.

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