Taxus x media 39hicksii39 is a female variety of yew it has a straight growing columnar habit and rich green leaves one of its key benefits is that it grows much more quickly than the more common english yew taxus x media 39hicksii39 is happy when pruned back but looks particularly striking when grown without pruning yew is versatile and grows well in any location dark shade to bright sun on chalky or acid soils height 8m 40253941 spread 3m 40103941