yew

Yew refers to evergreen coniferous shrubs and trees in genus Taxus, family Taxaceae. They are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with notable species including the European yew (Taxus baccata), Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), Canadian or Eastern yew (Taxus canadensis), and Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata). Yews are characterized by dark green, needle-like leaves and, in dioecious plants, male and female individuals. Female trees produce a single fleshy red aril around the seed; the seed itself is highly toxic if ingested, due to taxine alkaloids found throughout the plant, including leaves and bark. Birds can feed on the arils safely; humans should avoid ingestion.

Yew wood is extremely dense and elastic, historically valued for its use in archery bows and carved wood; today it is prized for fine furniture and ornamental use. In gardens, yews are popular as evergreen screening plants and in topiary, due to shade tolerance and slow growth.

In medicine, compounds derived from yew, particularly paclitaxel (taxol), have become important in chemotherapy regimens. Paclitaxel was originally isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew; due to sustainability concerns, methods now use alternative sources such as cell culture.

Conservation concerns vary by species; some taxa are threatened by habitat loss and overharvesting. Yews have long cultural associations in Europe, symbolizing longevity and mortality, and are commonly planted near churches and graveyards.