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Woody > Taxus > Taxus baccata > Taxus baccata 'Dovastoniana'

Taxus baccata

'Dovastoniana'


West Felton Yew




Origin:  Horticultural origin.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

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This cultivar is a nice compliment in the landscape because of its exfoliating bark. Its long life span and ability to thrive in many environments make it very desirable.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

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Family
Taxodiacae
Genus
Taxus
Species
baccata
Cultivar
'Dovastoniana'
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
5–7
Canadian Hardiness Zone
5a–6b
Temperature (°C)
-28 C
Temperature (°F)
-18 F
Height
2.7–5.5 m
Spread
1.3–2.3 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
MarchApril
General Description
A wide spreading tree that can also appear rather shrub-like. It takes close to one hundred years to reach its full height. The needles and branches are toxic if consumed. Highly regarded for its ability to thrive in many climates and its low maintenance.
Landscape
Tree or informal shrub, used a lot in topiary works; also, suitable for screening or hedging but can sometimes give poor shade; compliments landscape because of its exfoliating bark.
Cultivation
Tolerates most soil types, including clay, loams and sand with pH between 5.5-7. Thrives in partial shade and full sun. Drought and pollution tolerant and can revive itself from damage caused by animals. Fairly low maintenance but benefits from being cut back in late spring. Overall, a fully hardy cultivar.
Shape
Semi-pyramidal with ascending branches and weeping twigs; it has a rather short trunk and needs room for its robust form.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
This cultivar is known for its light exfoliating bark, blackish-green leaves and its upward growing branches with weeping twigs.
Pests
Susceptible to Taxus mealybug, Taxus scale and yew-gall midge. It should be protected against vine weevils and caterpillars.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Light to medium brown, flaky exfoliating bark.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Buds are small and scaly, about 1.25 cm radius.
Leaf Description
Opposite, almost whorled bipinnate; around 1–3 cm long; smooth, weeping leaves that face upwards. They are relatively short in length.
Flower Description
Yellow strobili flowers sprout from the axils of leaves in mid-spring.
Fruit Description
The fruit has an ovoid shape seed with a fleshy aril; red in colour and about 1 cm in diameter; matures in late summer and present until late autumn.
Colour Description
Blackish green needles and brown bark with yellow flowers and red fruit.
Texture Description
Smooth, flaky texture.
Notable Specimens
The Van Dusen Garden, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Propagation
Dioecious, but female branches have been seen in shrub.
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