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Canada yew
Scientific Name: Taxus canadensis
Family: Taxaceae
Category: Gymnosperm
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: IN (American yew), KY (Canadian yew), MD (American
Canada Yew (Taxus canadensis)
The Canada Yew, scientifically known as Taxus canadensis, is also commonly called Canadian Yew or Ground Hemlock. It's a coniferous evergreen shrub native to central and eastern North America.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This plant is described as being very toxic.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Taxus canadensis
- Common Names: Canada Yew, Canadian Yew, Ground Hemlock, American Yew
- French Name: If du Canada
- Family: Taxaceae (Yew Family)
- Order: Pinales
- Synonym: Ground-hemlock
- SCS PLANT CODE: TACA7
- Alternative Scientific Name: Taxus baccata L. var. procumbens Loud
- Taxonomic Serial Number: 194885
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to central and eastern North America.
- Thrives in swampy woods, ravines, riverbanks, and on lake shores.
- Hardy to zone 2.
- Widespread in northeastern North America.
- Found in the U.S.A. in states like Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and Maine.
- Also found in Canada, Greenland, Saint Pierre and Michelon.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Evergreen shrub with a low-growing, loose form.
- Typically reaches 3 to 6 feet in height and 6 to 8 feet in width.
- Sprawling shrub, rarely exceeding 2.5 meters (approximately 8 feet) tall.
- Flat, narrow needles that are dark green above and pale underneath.
- Grows to approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height and width.
- Slow to moderate growth rate.
- Mature shape is multi-stemmed.
Ecological Role
- Reproduces by layering, forming a continuous ground cover.
- Important resource for producing certain cancer-fighting drugs.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Long-distance dispersal is commonly accomplished by birds.
- Deer browsing can affect pollination and seed production.
- Impacts the relative abundance and diversity of small mammals in northern hardwood forests.