Taxus media

Taxus media is a hybrid designation for a group of shrubs in the Taxus genus, which is part of the Taxaceae family. These shrubs are commonly known as yews. The hybrid was created by crossing the Taxus baccata (English yew) and Taxus cuspidata (Japanese yew).

Description

Taxus media shrubs are evergreen, maintaining their foliage throughout the year. They typically grow to a height of 4-6 feet, but can reach up to 20 feet. The leaves are dark green, needle-like, and arranged spirally on the stem. The bark is thin and scaly, often reddish-brown in color.

The plants produce separate male and female cones on different plants (dioecious). The male cones are small and globular, while the female cones develop into a bright red, berry-like structure known as an aril.

Cultivation and Uses

Taxus media is popular in horticulture due to its tolerance of shade and various soil conditions. It is often used in landscaping for hedges, screens, or as a specimen plant.

The wood of the yew is hard and durable, making it useful for crafting furniture and tools. However, all parts of the plant, except the aril, are toxic to humans and animals if ingested.

Varieties

There are several cultivars of Taxus media, including 'Hicksii', 'Densiformis', and 'Brownii'. These varieties differ in their growth habit, foliage color, and tolerance to different environmental conditions.

Conservation Status

While not endangered, Taxus media and other yew species are often threatened by over-harvesting for their timber and for the production of the cancer drug Paclitaxel (Taxol), which is derived from the bark.

See Also

• Taxus baccata
• Taxus cuspidata
• Taxaceae
• Paclitaxel