Erie Shores™ Yew

The Most Reliable Low Evergreen for Shade, Foundations, and Formal Hedges

Erie Shores™ Yew (Taxus × media 'Erie Shores') is one of the most dependable and versatile low evergreen shrubs available for cold-climate landscapes. Its dense, broad-spreading habit — growing wider than tall — makes it a natural fit for foundation plantings, low borders, and ground-hugging mass plantings where a tidy, permanent evergreen presence is needed. Its shade tolerance is exceptional: few evergreen shrubs of this quality perform as reliably in deep shade as yew, making it the go-to choice for north-facing foundations, under tree canopies, and other challenging low-light situations. In spring, bright chartreuse-green new growth emerges in striking contrast to the rich, dark-green mature needles, providing a seasonal color shift that adds interest without requiring flowers. It takes pruning exceptionally well — better than almost any other evergreen shrub — and can be maintained as a formal hedge, shaped into clean geometric forms, or even trained into topiary.

Why Erie Shores™ Stands Out

• Exceptional shade tolerance — one of the most shade-tolerant evergreen shrubs available; performs reliably in deep shade, north-facing foundations, and under tree canopies where most evergreens struggle
• Outstanding pruning response — takes shearing and pruning better than almost any other evergreen shrub; ideal for formal hedges, clean geometric borders, and topiary; can be cut back hard and will regrow vigorously
• Dense, low-spreading habit — naturally grows wider than tall; hugs the ground with a tidy, uniform form that requires minimal pruning to maintain
• Striking spring color contrast — bright chartreuse-green new growth in spring contrasts beautifully against rich dark-green mature needles; year-round interest without flowers
• Slow, controlled growth — slow-growing habit means less frequent pruning and a more permanent, stable landscape presence
• Exceptional cold hardiness — hardy to zone 4; one of the most cold-tolerant broadleaf-alternative evergreens available
• Versatile landscape use — foundation planting, low hedge, mass planting, border edging, container specimen, topiary

Hardiness & Growing Zones

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–7
• Zones 4–5: Fully cold-hardy; one of the most reliable evergreens for northern gardens; may experience some winter bronzing of foliage in exposed sites but recovers fully in spring
• Zones 6–7: Ideal conditions; vigorous growth with excellent year-round foliage color and form
• Sunlight: Full shade to full sun (one of the most shade-tolerant evergreen shrubs available; performs well in deep shade; also tolerates full sun with adequate moisture)
• Soil: Well-drained; yews are sensitive to root rot in waterlogged conditions — good drainage is the single most important site requirement; adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils with good drainage
• Mature size: 3–4 ft tall × 5–6 ft wide; naturally wider than tall
• Hedge spacing: Plant 3–4 ft apart for a dense low hedge; 4–5 ft apart for a mass planting groundcover effect

Planting & Care Tips

Plant in well-drained soil — drainage is the single most critical factor for yew health; root rot in waterlogged soil is the primary cause of yew decline. Avoid planting in low spots, heavy clay without amendment, or areas with standing water. Water consistently during the first growing season; once established, yew is quite drought-tolerant. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, or again in midsummer after the spring flush has hardened off. Yew can be cut back hard if needed and will regrow vigorously from old wood — a capability few other evergreens share.

Important: All parts of yew (Taxus spp.) are toxic to humans, dogs, cats, horses, and livestock if ingested. Plant in locations away from areas frequented by children and pets.

Available Sizes

• 1 Gallon — most economical; ideal for planting in quantity for mass plantings, hedges, and foundation beds
• 5 Gallon — larger, more established plant; faster to full coverage and screening effect