Hicks Yew: A Versatile, Hardy Landscaping Choice

The Hicks Yew is a narrow, columnar shrub variety of the Anglo-Japanese Yew, scientifically known as Taxus × media 'Hicksii'. It is widely regarded as an excellent choice for hedges and accent shrubs in landscaping, particularly for homeowners and gardeners who need a cold-hardy, elegant plant for narrow spaces.

History and Origin

The Hicks Yew was introduced in 1900 by the Hicks Nursery in Long Island, New York. It is the result of a cross between the English Yew (Taxus baccata) and the Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata). This hybrid was cultivated to combine the best characteristics of both species:

• English Yew (Taxus baccata) contributed its elegance and refined appearance, known for its glossy, dark green foliage.
• Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) was chosen for its exceptional hardiness, making the hybrid able to thrive in cold climates.

The result is a versatile, durable plant that maintains its aesthetic appeal throughout the year, even in harsh winter conditions. Since its introduction, the Hicks Yew has become a popular landscaping choice across the U.S. and beyond, valued for its adaptability and ease of maintenance.

Physical Characteristics

Hicks Yew is a narrow, columnar evergreen shrub that features dense, upright branches. These branches bear two-ranked rows of flat, dark green needles, giving the shrub a lush, vibrant appearance.

Key features include:

• Needles: The foliage is composed of dark green needles that are flat and soft to the touch. The arrangement of the needles gives the plant a dense, compact look, making it ideal for creating privacy screens or hedges.
• Dioecious Nature: Like most yews, the Hicks Yew is dioecious, meaning male and female plants are separate. Male plants only produce needles, while female plants develop berry-like arils in the fall, which are small, red, and ornamental. These arils are visually appealing, adding a splash of color to the otherwise dark green shrub.
• Toxicity: Although the red arils are decorative, most parts of the Hicks Yew, including the seeds, leaves, and bark, are toxic to pets, livestock, and humans if ingested. Care should be taken to plant yews away from grazing animals and curious children. Interestingly, birds often eat the seeds without harm, and deer tend to enjoy nibbling on the foliage, particularly in winter when other food sources are scarce.

Ideal Uses in Landscaping

The Hicks Yew is prized in landscaping for its versatility and adaptability. It is particularly suited for:

• Hedges: Its narrow, columnar growth makes it a top choice for creating formal hedges or privacy screens.
• Accent Shrubs: It can be used as a striking standalone feature in gardens, particularly when space is limited.
• Foundation Planting: Hicks Yew works well near buildings or in narrow spaces where other shrubs may not fit.

Its evergreen nature ensures year-round visual interest, and the dense foliage provides excellent coverage, even in winter when deciduous shrubs may lose their leaves.

FAQs about Hicks Yew

1. How fast does Hicks Yew grow?

The Hicks Yew is known for its moderate growth rate. On average, it grows about 6-12 inches per year under optimal conditions, reaching a mature height of 10-12 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want steady, manageable growth.

2. What does a Yew bush look like?

A Yew bush is characterized by its dense, compact structure, with branches that grow upright and bear flat, needle-like leaves. The leaves are dark green, soft, and flat, giving the shrub a lush appearance. Female yews produce small, red berry-like fruits (arils), while male yews only have the dark green foliage. Yew bushes have a classic, elegant look that complements various garden styles.

3. How fast do Hicks Yews grow?

As mentioned earlier, Hicks Yew grows at a moderate pace, around 6-12 inches per year. This allows it to be pruned and shaped as desired without becoming unruly. Over time, it can form a dense hedge or columnar shape, making it a reliable option for structured landscaping designs.

4. What does a Yew plant look like?

Yew plants, particularly the Hicks Yew, have a columnar or pyramidal shape when young, which gradually becomes fuller as they mature. They feature dark green, needle-like leaves that grow in a two-ranked pattern on the branches. Female yews display bright red, berry-like arils in the fall, while male plants maintain an evergreen appearance year-round without producing fruit. The overall look is elegant and lush, with a texture that contrasts well with other shrubs and perennials.

Care and Maintenance

Hicks Yew is a hardy and low-maintenance plant, but it does have some specific care requirements:

• Sunlight: It grows well in both full sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to different garden conditions.
• Soil: It prefers well-drained, loamy soil but can tolerate various soil types, including clay or sandy soils, as long as they are not waterlogged.
• Watering: While established Hicks Yews are relatively drought-tolerant, they do best with regular watering, especially in the first few years after planting. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Pruning: Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size. Since it grows at a moderate rate, annual pruning is usually sufficient to keep it looking neat and compact.

Conclusion

The Hicks Yew is an excellent choice for homeowners and landscapers looking for a durable, elegant, and adaptable evergreen. Its moderate growth, striking dark green foliage, and versatility in various climates make it a top pick for hedges, privacy screens, and accent plants. With proper care, it can thrive for many years, providing beauty and structure to landscapes, whether used in formal gardens or as a natural barrier in residential areas.