Taxus brevifolia

Pacific Yew is an evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Its native locations include dense forests, along stream banks, slopes, ravines, coves and flats. 

The timber from this tree is heavy, hard and strong. Although it has minimal commercial use, it is often used for making fence posts, tool handles and canoe paddles.  It's an excellent choice for articles that are turned on a lathe, and takes a finish well.

Has been referred to as 'bow plant'.  It's durable, elastic texture made it a great choice when making bows. It was also used by Native Americans in battle to make spear handles and clubs.  Harpoons used for hunting seals was another use for the wood.

In England, history referred to this tree as the 'graveyard tree' due to its toxic nature.  Its red fruits are especially attractive to children and livestock.  It's said that it has been used as a means of suicide during wartimes.  

When growing in dense forested locations, where a closed canopy exists, it will grow as a tree. In dryer, more open spaces its habit will be more like a shrub.  In these instances, it can form broad mats that will grow much wider than tall.  

It has evergreen needles and bright red fruits.  It grows as an understory in fir, hemlock, and vine maple forests.  In some locations it can be found covered with moss and/or lichens.

The foliage is poisonous when consumed by horses and cattle.  This is particularly an issue when the foliage is allowed to rot.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This very slow growing conifer has been known to rot from the inside, which in turn creates a hollow tree.  

Needle blight and root disease are diseases that can affect the plants health.  Insect issues include grape mealybug, bud worm and Asiatic beetle.

More information on Taxus.