Taxus X Media ‘Nigra’

Nigra Yew

Taxus × media ‘Nigra’ is a dense, evergreen conifer with an upright to broadly pyramidal habit. It is prized for its rich, deep green needles that retain their color exceptionally well through winter. Its dense branching and tolerance of pruning make it an excellent choice for hedges, foundation plantings, screens, and formal gardens.

The foliage consists of soft, flattened, glossy dark green needles that remain attractive year-round. In spring, small, inconspicuous reproductive structures appear. Male plants produce yellow pollen cones, while female plants develop tiny green flowers that may mature into bright red fleshy arils if pollinated. Birds are attracted to the ornamental arils, while the seeds and all other parts of the plant are poisonous.

Taxus × media ‘Nigra’ grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist to moderately dry, fertile, well-drained soils. Once established, it tolerates drought, urban pollution, and regular shearing, making it a durable and low-maintenance landscape plant.