Taxus (Yew) Diseases: Identification and Management

Common Diseases Affecting Taxus Species

Yews (Taxus) are generally hardy but can suffer from a few key diseases, primarily related to excessive soil moisture and Phytophthora infection.

Bleeding Canker

Symptoms: Sap oozes from the lower trunk near the soil line; needles yellow and fall as branches die back.

Pathogen: Phytophthora species.

Management: Remove the infected plant entirely. Do not replace with another Taxus or other Phytophthora-susceptible plants.

Dieback

Symptoms: Needles on branches yellow as the branch dies.

Cause: Excessive soil moisture, particularly in poorly drained locations and heavy clay soils.

Management: Do not plant Taxus in poorly drained areas, especially heavy clay. Improve drainage before planting.

Edema

Symptoms: Bumps of scab-like tissue form on the underside of needles.

Cause: Excessive soil moisture (same as dieback).

Management: Follow the same drainage improvements as for dieback.

Bleeding canker.