Origin: Europe, from north Africa to Iran. Conifer with main horizontal branches and secondary branches short and weeping. If left to grow freely and if it has enough space it will become a broadly conical tree with spreading, horizontal branches. Male cones are yellow in spring, followed by beautiful red fruit. Grows well in fertile, well drained soil including chalky and acid soil. Withstands being covered by old trees. Used a lot for hedges because it tolerates severe, repeated pruning and it is also for this reason that this plant is used for creating geometric shapes and Giant Garden Bonsai. Also available varieties with fastigiate crown (Irish yew), with golden needles (Golden Irish yew) and with shrubby habit.