Pacific Yew
(Taxus brevifolia)
Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia)
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Don Loarie
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Don Loarie
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Don Loarie | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Don Loarie | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-03-03T14:31:44-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Taxus brevifolia, commonly known as Pacific Yew, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the understory of coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada. It thrives in the moist, shaded environments of these forests, often growing alongside Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock. Pacific Yew typically reaches 10–15 meters (33–49 feet) in height with a trunk up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter, though it can occasionally grow larger. Its growth form is variable, often appearing as a squat, multi-leader tree due to damage from forest succession or as a shrub in its "yew brush" form. The tree is capable of vegetative reproduction, sprouting new growth from stumps when damaged.
Pacific Yew is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its dark green needles and the striking red arils that encase its seeds. These arils mature 6–9 months after pollination and are an important food source for birds, which aid in seed dispersal. The plant’s ability to grow in both shade and sun makes it versatile in cultivation, though it prefers shaded conditions similar to its native habitat. It is often used in residential landscaping for its evergreen foliage and as a naturalistic element in woodland gardens. Pacific Yew requires low water once established and grows best in well-drained soils with medium moisture. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, containing the compound taxine.
Pacific Yew is susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soils, and care should be taken to avoid overwatering. Despite its toxicity, the tree has significant medicinal value; the bark contains paclitaxel, a compound used in cancer treatments. However, due to its slow growth and overharvesting for medicinal use, conservation efforts are in place to protect wild populations.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pacific Yew is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its dark green needles and the striking red arils that encase its seeds. These arils mature 6–9 months after pollination and are an important food source for birds, which aid in seed dispersal. The plant’s ability to grow in both shade and sun makes it versatile in cultivation, though it prefers shaded conditions similar to its native habitat. It is often used in residential landscaping for its evergreen foliage and as a naturalistic element in woodland gardens. Pacific Yew requires low water once established and grows best in well-drained soils with medium moisture. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, containing the compound taxine.
Pacific Yew is susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soils, and care should be taken to avoid overwatering. Despite its toxicity, the tree has significant medicinal value; the bark contains paclitaxel, a compound used in cancer treatments. However, due to its slow growth and overharvesting for medicinal use, conservation efforts are in place to protect wild populations.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-40 feet
- Width: 10-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Understory of coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada
Other Names
Common Names: Western Yew, Californian Yew, Kurzblättrige Eibe, Pazifische Eibe, If De L’Ouest, If Occidental, If De Californie, Oregoni Tiszafa, Тис Коротколистный (Tis Korotkolistnyj), Läkeidegran
Scientific Names: , Taxus brevifolia, Taxus brevifolia var. reptaneta, Taxus brevifolia var. polychaeta, Taxus occidentalis, Taxus baccata subsp. brevifolia, Taxus baccata var. brevifolia, Taxus bourcieri, Taxus boursieri, Taxus brevifolia subsp. polychaeta
GBIF Accepted Name: Taxus brevifolia Nutt.