Contents
Description
Taxus Baccata Fastigiata Aurea, also known as Golden Irish Yew, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can reach up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its striking golden-yellow foliage that turns green in the summer. It has a narrow, columnar shape that makes it ideal for landscaping, especially as a hedge or specimen plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Taxaceae |
| Genus | Taxus |
Appearance
Golden Irish Yew has golden-yellow needles that turn green in the summer. The needles are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem and are about 1 inch long. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring that are followed by red berries in the fall. The bark is reddish-brown and has a scaly texture.
Care Guide
Golden Irish Yew is a low-maintenance plant that prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay. Here are some tips for caring for your Golden Irish Yew:- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: Plant in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Golden Irish Yew prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Golden Irish Yew is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Golden Irish Yew is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing of the foliage and can be treated with insecticidal soap.- Spider mites: These pests can cause webbing on the plant and can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Phytophthora root rot: This fungal disease can cause root rot and can be prevented by planting in well-drained soil.
Habitat
Golden Irish Yew is native to Europe and western Asia and can be found in forests, woodlands, and rocky areas. It grows best in cool, moist climates and can tolerate frost and snow.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Golden Irish Yew be grown in containers?A: Yes, Golden Irish Yew can be grown in containers, but it will require regular watering and fertilization.Q: How often should Golden Irish Yew be pruned?A: Golden Irish Yew can be pruned once a year in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape.Q: Is Golden Irish Yew toxic to pets?A: Yes, Golden Irish Yew is toxic to pets and should be planted in areas where pets cannot access it.Q: Can Golden Irish Yew be propagated from cuttings?A: Yes, Golden Irish Yew can be propagated from cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
– Taxus baccata ‘Repandens’ (Spreading English Yew)- Taxus baccata ‘Aureomarginata’ (Golden English Yew)- Taxus cuspidata (Japanese Yew)
References
– “Taxus baccata Fastigiata Aurea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=269032.- “Taxus baccata Fastigiata Aurea.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/227750/Taxus-baccata-Fastigiata-Aurea/Details.
