Taxus baccata rependens

I have a steep hillside on which I planted spreading junipers. Then neighboring trees grew tall enough to make half the hillside deep shade. The junipers in the sun and doing well but the others died or are dying. Would Taxus baccata rependens help hold a hill from erosion and how would they handle the shade.? The hillside is on the dry side because the water runs off fast enough that not much soaks end but I could put little dams below the plants to trap some rain. How long does it take them to spread to 10'?

 

They should do OK in those conditions. You might want to think about the implications of the species being an invasive alien in your region, though.

 

One of the best stabilizers for steep shady slopes is our native sword fern. When I go hiking I am astonished at how successful and attractive they are at stabilizing the banks above creeks and shady canyons. Their roots hold the soil in place and their broad funnel shape natural traps rain water and directs it towards the plants roots, reducing erosion and run-off. Because they are evergreen they are attractive and effective year round, and even with our recent hotter drier summers the sword ferns I see do not seem to be suffering unduely.

 

Thanks, I have noticed sword ferns and Oregon grape growing in very shady places on my property. I think I will move some to the slope