Taxus floridana, commonly known as Florida Yew, is an evergreen tree native to the understory of moist, shaded ravines and bluffs primarily in the Florida Panhandle. It is a rare species, often growing to 6 meters tall, but can occasionally reach up to 10 meters. The trunk typically grows up to 38 cm in diameter, with thin, scaly purple-brown bark. The branches are irregularly oriented, contributing to the tree’s distinctive appearance. Florida Yew is usually found in clumps, with individuals being multi-stemmed and varying in stem density.

Florida Yew is slow-growing and has a preference for slightly acidic soil. It thrives in partial shade, particularly on moderate north-facing slopes, and is highly fire-sensitive as well as shade-tolerant. This species is hardy to USDA zone 8. In cultivation, it can be propagated from cuttings or seeds, though seed scarification is necessary for germination. The tree is best suited to full sun or part shade environments, with low to medium water requirements and soils that offer medium drainage. Despite its rarity, Florida Yew is valued for its ornamental foliage and its use in shaded landscape settings. However, due to its conservation status, it is not commonly found in the nursery trade.CC BY-SA 4.0