About Taxus media 'Hillii'
Taxus media ‘Hillii’ is a male columnar cultivar of the hybrid yew (Taxus baccata x Taxus cuspidata), selected by the Hill nursery group in the United States. As a male plant, ‘Hillii’ produces no red arilli - a trait that distinguishes it from most other yew cultivars. This makes it particularly suitable in stands where poisonous arilli are an objection.
Its growth form is upright columnar, tight and compact. Available from Smits as a box in sizes ranging from 140/160 to 160/180 centimetres in height. These box shapes are the result of skilful, multi-year pruning. At maturity, the zuiltaxus reaches 3 to 5 metres in height at a width of 1 to 1.5 metres.
The trunk has the characteristic brownish-red scaly yew bark. The needle leaves are dark green on top and lighter green on the underside, placed close to the twigs. Fully evergreen - the same dark green colour all year round. As a male plant, no red arilli are present, reducing both the toxicity risk and attractiveness to birds.
Growth is slow to moderate - similar to other Taxus media cultivars. Pruning ability is excellent. The difference from ‘Hicksii’ is subtle: ‘Hillii’ has a slightly more compact, dense habit and does not produce fruit as a male plant. Both are similar in use but ‘Hillii’ is the better choice in locations where the lack of arilli is desired. All other yew parts are poisonous.
Application and location
Taxus ‘Hillii’ is a reliable columnar structural plant for formal villaturins, entrance avenues and terraces. As a male plant without red arilli, it is also suitable in places where the absence of poisonous fruits is desired.
It thrives in full sun to shade. On loam, clay and sand. Wind resistant and air pollution tolerant. Please note that other yew parts are poisonous.
Winter hardiness is excellent. Available from Smits as a box of 140/160 to 160/180 centimetres in height.
Do you already know exactly what you need?
Every garden and every greenery project is different. Therefore, at Smits Arboriculture we do not make standard quotations, but we like to look together at what suits your wishes, planning and the character of the project.
