Hicks Yew vs Hill's Yew: Red Berries or No Berries?
If you are comparing Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew for a privacy hedge, the difference is simpler than many guides make it sound. Both are dense, upright evergreen yews that can be pruned into attractive privacy hedges. For many homeowners, the easiest practical difference to notice is the red fruit: Hicks Yew can produce decorative red berries, while Hill's Yew does not.
Quick answer: Choose Hicks Yew if you like the seasonal look of red berries. Choose Hill's Yew if you want a similarly dense, upright evergreen hedge without red berries.
Hicks Yew vs Hill's Yew at a Glance
| Feature | Hicks Yew | Hill's Yew |
|---|---|---|
| Red berries | Yes — can produce red berries | No red berries |
| Plant sex | Female cultivar | Male cultivar |
| Growth habit | Dense and upright | Dense and upright |
| Privacy hedge | Excellent choice | Excellent choice |
| Pruning | Responds well to shaping | Responds well to shaping |
| Winter interest | Evergreen | Evergreen |
The Main Difference: Red Berries vs No Red Berries
Hicks Yew (Taxus × media 'Hicksii') is a female cultivar. Female yews can develop the familiar fleshy red arils commonly described as red berries. They add seasonal colour against the dark green foliage.
Hill's Yew (Taxus × media 'Hillii') is a male cultivar. It does not produce the red berries seen on female yews. This makes Hill's Yew a good choice for customers who like the dense evergreen appearance of yew but prefer a clean, all-green hedge.
Important: The red fruit is ornamental, not edible. Yew plants contain toxic compounds and should not be eaten.
Are Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew Both Dense?
Yes. We do not recommend choosing between these two varieties simply because one is described as “dense” and the other as “upright.” Both Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew can create dense, upright evergreen hedges when properly planted and maintained.
The final appearance of a hedge also depends on the size of the plants you start with, spacing, sunlight, pruning and overall growing conditions.
Which One Should You Choose?
For most homeowners, the decision can be very straightforward:
- Choose Hicks Yew if you want a dense evergreen privacy hedge and enjoy the decorative red berries.
- Choose Hill's Yew if you want a dense evergreen privacy hedge without red berries.
Both can work beautifully along property lines, fences, front yards, backyards and formal landscapes.
Shop Hicks Yew for Sale in Toronto
Shop Hill's Yew for Sale in Toronto
Which Is Better for a Privacy Hedge?
There is no universal winner. If your main goal is a dense, evergreen privacy hedge, both Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew are strong choices. The berry preference is often the easiest way to decide between them.
If you are choosing plants for a specific property, plant size, spacing, available width, sunlight and desired finished height should also be considered.
How Far Apart Should Hicks Yew or Hill's Yew Be Planted?
There is no single spacing that works for every hedge. The correct spacing depends on the current width and size of the plants, the length of the hedge and how quickly you want the plants to fill together.
Z Force Farm can help calculate the quantity and spacing based on the actual yew size you select and your planting area.
Can Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew Grow in Shade?
Yews are valued for their ability to grow in sun or partial shade and can tolerate more shade than many evergreen hedge choices. Hedge density and growth will still depend on light, drainage, soil and care.
Yew vs Emerald Cedar for Privacy
Both yew and Emerald Cedar can provide year-round privacy, but they create a different landscape look. Emerald Cedar has the classic arborvitae form, while yew is especially useful for homeowners who want an evergreen hedge that responds well to regular pruning and shaping.
Buy Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew in Toronto & Markham
Z Force Farm offers Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew from our Markham nursery for homeowners and landscaping projects in Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, North York, Aurora, Stouffville and surrounding areas. Delivery and professional hedge installation are available for suitable projects.
Not sure which yew, size, spacing or quantity is right for your property? Contact Z Force Farm with the approximate hedge length and a photo of the planting area. Our team can help you plan the hedge before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hicks Yew have red berries?
Yes. Hicks Yew is a female cultivar and can produce decorative red fruit. The fruit and other parts of yew should not be eaten.
Does Hill's Yew have red berries?
No. Hill's Yew is a male cultivar and does not produce the red berries associated with female yews.
Are Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew both dense?
Yes. Both can develop dense evergreen foliage and both are suitable for structured privacy hedges with appropriate planting and pruning.
What is the main difference between Hicks Yew and Hill's Yew?
For homeowners comparing them as hedge plants, the most obvious difference is berries: Hicks Yew can produce red berries, while Hill's Yew does not. Both are dense, upright evergreen yews.
Which yew is better for privacy?
Both are excellent privacy hedge choices. If the site is suitable for yew, the decision often comes down to whether you prefer red berries or a berry-free, all-green appearance.
Do you offer yew hedge installation in Toronto and Markham?
Yes. Z Force Farm offers yew delivery and professional hedge planting for suitable projects in Toronto, Markham and surrounding service areas. Contact us for help choosing the right yew, size, spacing and quantity for your property.