• Photo of Taxus brevifolia (Taxus brevifolias)

Plant Profile: Taxus brevifolia

Taxonomy: Taxus brevifolia

Names

Anglo-Japanese Yew, English Yew, Japanese Yew, Mountain Mahogany, Pacific Yew, Western Yew

  • Photo of Taxus brevifolia (Taxus brevifolias)

Phonetic Spelling:TAKS-us brev-ee-FOH-lee-uh

Genus:Taxus

Species:brevifolia

Family:Taxaceae

The Pacific Yew is a coniferous evergreen indigenous to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Characterized by its persistent green needles and striking red berries, this tree typically thrives in the understory of forests dominated by fir, hemlock, and vine maple.

Taxus brevifolia Feature Summary

Taxus brevifolia Image Gallery

Tags

#understory
#problem for cats
#problem for dogs
#problem for horses

Similar Plants

Taxus brevifolia Feature Summary

Attributes
The wood is strong and resists decay is used to make fence posts, canoe paddles, tool handles. Native Americans used the wood to make spear handles, harpoons, poles, and eating utensils. It was used by the Salish people to make bows and is still used in bow making today.
Alaska to western U.S.A.
Deer, elk, and moose browse on this plant. Fruits are enjoyed by songbirds.
Whole Plant Traits
Landscape
Problem for Cats
Problem for Dogs
Problem for Horses

Taxus brevifolia Attributes

Taxus brevifolia: Uses (Ethnobotany)

The wood is strong and resists decay is used to make fence posts, canoe paddles, tool handles. Native Americans used the wood to make spear handles, harpoons, poles, and eating utensils. It was used by the Salish people to make bows and is still used in bow making today.

Taxus brevifolia: Country Or Region Of Origin

Alaska to western U.S.A.

Taxus brevifolia: Wildlife Value

Deer, elk, and moose browse on this plant. Fruits are enjoyed by songbirds.

Taxus brevifolia: Life Cycle

Annual
Biennial
Bulb
Perennial
Woody

Taxus brevifolia Whole Plant Traits

Taxus brevifolia: Plant Type

Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower

Taxus brevifolia: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics

Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen

Taxus brevifolia Leaves

Taxus brevifolia: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics

Broadleaf Evergreen
Deciduous
Needled Evergreen
Semi-evergreen

Taxus brevifolia: Hairs Present

No
Yes

Taxus brevifolia Stem

Taxus brevifolia: Stem Is Aromatic

No
Yes

Taxus brevifolia Landscape

Taxus brevifolia: Problems

Allelopathic
Contact Dermatitis
Frequent Disease Problems
Frequent Insect Problems
Invasive Species
Malodorous
Messy
Poisonous to Humans
Problem for Cats
Problem for Children
Problem for Dogs
Problem for Horses
Short-lived
Spines/Thorns
Weak Wood
Weedy