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(Taxus canadensis)
Canada Yew (Taxus canadensis)
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Superior National Forest
CC BY 2.0
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Superior National Forest
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Superior National Forest | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Superior National Forest | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Taxus canadensis, commonly known as Canada yew or Canadian yew, is a coniferous shrub native to the understory of coniferous and mixed forests in central and eastern North America. It is also found in swampy woods, ravines, and along riverbanks and lake shores. The plant is sometimes referred to as American yew or ground-hemlock. Canada yew typically grows as a sprawling shrub, reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters, with a tendency to form a strong upright central leader if undisturbed from seedling stage. Its bark is thin and scaly with a brown coloration. The seed cones are highly modified, each bearing a single seed encased in a bright red, berry-like aril that is open at the end, which is attractive to birds such as thrushes and waxwings that aid in seed dispersal.
Canada yew is appreciated for its evergreen foliage and the ornamental red arils that provide a splash of color in the landscape. It is often used in shaded garden areas, naturalized plantings, and as a ground cover in forested settings. The plant prefers partial to full shade, medium amounts of water, and well-drained soils. While it is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, it does not tolerate drought well. Canada yew is slow-growing and requires little maintenance once established, but gardeners should be aware of its highly toxic foliage and seeds, which can be harmful if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Canada yew is appreciated for its evergreen foliage and the ornamental red arils that provide a splash of color in the landscape. It is often used in shaded garden areas, naturalized plantings, and as a ground cover in forested settings. The plant prefers partial to full shade, medium amounts of water, and well-drained soils. While it is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, it does not tolerate drought well. Canada yew is slow-growing and requires little maintenance once established, but gardeners should be aware of its highly toxic foliage and seeds, which can be harmful if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Understory of coniferous and mixed forests, swampy woods, ravines, and along riverbanks and lake shores
Other Names
Common Names: Canadian Yew, Ground Hemlock, Ground-Hemlock, American Yew, Shinwood, Kanadische Eibe, Bois De Sapin, Buis, If Du Canada, Sapin Traînard
Scientific Names: , Taxus canadensis, Taxus baccata var. adpressa, Taxus baccata var. canadensis, Taxus baccata subsp. canadensis, Taxus baccata var. minor, Taxus minor, Taxus baccata subsp. minor, Taxus baccata var. procumbens, Taxus canadensis f. stricta
GBIF Accepted Name: Taxus canadensis Marshall