Taxus baccata

Taxus baccata is a species of evergreen tree in the yew family, Taxaceae, native to western, central and southern Europe, northwest Africa, northern Iran and southwest Asia. It is the tree originally known as yew, though with other related trees becoming known, it may now be known as English yew, or European yew.

Description

Taxus baccata is a large evergreen tree, growing up to 20–40 m tall, with a trunk up to 2 m diameter. The bark is thin, scaly brown, coming off in small flakes aligned with the stem. The leaves are lanceolate, flat, dark green, 1–4 cm long and 2–3 mm broad, arranged spirally on the stem, but with the leaf bases twisted to align the leaves in two flat rows either side of the stem.

Distribution and habitat

Taxus baccata is native to Europe, northwest Africa, northern Iran and southwest Asia. It is most commonly found in the wild on limestone soils. The most northerly stand of ancient yews in Britain is on limestone at Ravensdale, County Louth in Ireland.

Uses

The wood of Taxus baccata is hard and durable. It has been used for cabinet work and for the longbows of English archers. The foliage and seeds are used to produce the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel.

Toxicity

All parts of a yew plant are toxic to humans with the exception of the yew berries (however, their seeds are toxic); furthermore, its foliage is also toxic to horses, cattle, and dogs.

Conservation

Taxus baccata is currently listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List. However, it is one of the species that is likely to be affected by climate change, and efforts are being made to ensure its survival.

See also

• List of Taxus baccata cultivars
• Taxus