How to Grow Westfelton Yew
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Westfelton Yew
Taxus baccata 'Dovastoniana'
treeWestfelton Yew is a weeping, evergreen conifer with distinctive spreading horizontal branches that droop gracefully at the tips, creating an elegant umbrella-like form. This cultivar of English yew (Taxus baccata) is prized as an ornamental specimen tree for its unique architecture and deep green foliage. It is toxic in all parts except the red aril (berry-like structure), so care must be taken around children and pets.
When should you plant Westfelton Yew in your zone?
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Example Westfelton Yew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Westfelton Yew
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Westfelton Yew
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5b-9a; prefers cooler climates in zone 9
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Get my Westfelton Yew timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-3 yearsYoung tree with upright central leader and developing lateral branches, foliage bright to medium green
Water regularly during first 2 years. Avoid transplanting once established. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Branch Development
5-10 yearsLateral branches elongate horizontally, beginning to display weeping habit; tree forms characteristic tiered structure
Minimal pruning needed; allow natural form to develop. Remove any dead or crossing branches. Prune lower branches that drag on ground if desired.
Maturation
Ongoing; tree reaches 25-40 feet tall over 20+ yearsFull weeping form with prominent drooping branch tips, dense dark green foliage, horizontal layered branching pattern established
Occasional light pruning to maintain shape. Remove any competing central leaders. Clean up lower branches if needed for walkways.
Flowering & Fruiting
Spring flowering; fall fruit ripeningSmall yellowish male flowers (pollen cones) or reddish female arils appear on separate trees; females produce the distinctive red berry-like structures
No special care needed. Female trees produce arils in fall; the red fleshy cup is the only non-toxic part. Remove fruit debris if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for stippling on foliage; spray with horticultural oil or miticide if severe; improve air circulation
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Remove heavily infested branches; spray with dormant oil in late winter; insecticidal soap in growing season
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; improve soil aeration; remove affected plant material if disease occurs
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Prune out infected branches; sterilize pruning tools; improve air circulation; avoid wounding branches
Uses
Ornamental Specimen Tree
HouseholdThe Westfelton Yew's striking weeping form with horizontal tiered branches makes it a dramatic focal point in gardens, particularly valuable for estates, parks, and large landscapes where its 25-40 foot spread can be appreciated. [source]
Wildlife Food Source
WildlifeFemale trees produce red arils that are attractive to birds and wildlife seeking fall and winter food sources; the arils are the only non-toxic part of the plant. [source]
Architectural Landscaping
CraftThe unique horizontal branching pattern can be selectively pruned to emphasize sculptural qualities, making it valuable for formal or contemporary garden designs where dramatic form is desired. [source]
Shade & Privacy Screening
HouseholdDespite its weeping form, the dense evergreen foliage provides year-round screening and creates dappled shade beneath the canopy, suitable for shade-loving woodland gardens. [source]
Historical Medicinal Heritage
MedicinalYew has a long history of use in traditional medicine and was revered in ancient cultures, though the plant is highly toxic and modern internal medicinal use is not recommended; historically studied for cancer research properties (taxol/paclitaxel). [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested. Ornamental tree; female trees produce red arils in autumn. The red fleshy aril can be observed and photographed but plant is primarily grown for foliage and form.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Westfelton Yew was discovered in Westfelton, Wales, as a spontaneous weeping form of English yew and has been cultivated since the mid-1800s, making it a heritage ornamental tree.
- 🌱 Yew trees are among the longest-living plants in Europe, with some specimens documented at over 1,000 years old; the Westfelton cultivar, while not as ancient as wild populations, can live for centuries.
- 🌱 All parts of yew are highly toxic to humans and animals (including horses, cattle, and dogs) with the exception of the bright red fleshy aril; historically, yew wood was prized for English longbows due to its strength and flexibility.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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