An extremely useful evergreen conifer for sun or shade. Most commonly used for hedging purposes, it has a naturally upright form and takes shearing well. A hedge of Irish yew, with its dense form and dark green color, makes a dramatic backdrop for a perennial or mixed shrub border. Irish yews are often used individually, as a vertical exclamation point in a border or paired to set off an entryway. As yews are among the few conifers that thrive in dry shade, they can be used to provide a textural contrast to other plants in a shady garden. 8' x 3' in 10 years.