Hicks Yew

(Question)

I have a Hicks Yew (about 20 years old) and the bark seems to be very ‘wrinkled’.

Is this normal?

(Answer)

Thanks for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners about your Hicks Yew (Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’). To answer your question, yes, it is normal for the bark of mature Hicks Yew shrubs to be very wrinkled or furrowed. As long as the yew is otherwise healthy in appearance (i.e. dark green foliage, with exception of new spring growth which is yellow-ish), you should not worry. It can live 50 years or more if properly cared for.

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