Taxus wallichiana, commonly known as Himalayan Yew, is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to the montane forests and high valleys of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, including Nepal, India, Bhutan, and parts of China. It thrives at elevations between 2953 and 12139 feet, often in moist, cool conditions, and is adapted to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. The tree typically reaches up to 66 feet (20 meters) in height and is characterized by its dark green, needle-like leaves and reddish-brown, scaly bark.

Himalayan Yew is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its dense, conical form and attractive foliage. It is sometimes used in horticulture for large garden plantings and as a specimen tree. The species is also renowned for its medicinal properties, as it is a source of paclitaxel, a compound used in chemotherapy drugs. However, its use in traditional medicine and overharvesting for the pharmaceutical industry have contributed to its endangered status. In cultivation, it requires protection from strong winds and prefers partial shade to full sun. It is not drought-tolerant and needs regular watering during dry periods. While it has significant medicinal value, the tree is toxic if ingested, and care should be taken to plant it away from areas frequented by children and pets.CC BY-SA 4.0