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Pacific yew

Scientific Name: Taxus brevifolia

Family: Taxaceae

Category: Gymnosperm

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia)

The Pacific yew, scientifically known as Taxus brevifolia, is a coniferous tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It has garnered significant attention due to its role in cancer treatment research.

Considerations for Pets

  • All parts of the plant, except the flesh of the fruit, are considered poisonous.
  • The Pacific yew has needle-like leaves.

Considerations for Children

  • All parts of the plant, except the flesh of the fruit, are considered poisonous.
  • The Pacific yew has needle-like leaves.

Common Names

  • Pacific Yew
  • Western Yew
  • California Yew
  • Oregon Yew
  • American Yew
  • Mountain Mahogany

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Taxus brevifolia Nutt.
  • Family: Taxaceae (Yew Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Coniferophyta
  • Class: Pinopsida
  • Order: Pinales
  • Synonym: Taxus

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America.
  • Ranges from southernmost Alaska south to central California and as far east as Alberta.
  • Primarily found at low to mid elevations.
  • Associated with several conifer and hardwood tree species on a variety of sites.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Evergreen conifer.
  • Slow-growing, commonly reaching 20 to 40 feet at maturity.
  • Can be a small to medium-sized (spindly) tree or shrub.
  • Often has an angled, twisted or irregular trunk with a broad crown of slender, horizontal branches.
  • Needles are approximately 1 inch long, dark green above and lighter green below (but never white).
  • Needles are pointed, but not sharp, with rolled leaf margins.
  • Needles spread out on opposite sides of the twig in flattened rows.
  • The Pacific Yew is dioecious, meaning that the male and female trees are separate.

Historical and Medicinal Uses

  • Bark contains taxol, a chemotherapy drug used in cancer treatment.
  • Species of yew (Taxus) have been used as ancient natural remedies.

Additional Information

  • Durable wood, resistant to decay.