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Taxus baccata - L.

Yew

Author	L.	Botanical references	11, 17, 200
Family	Taxaceae	Genus	Taxus
Synonyms
Known Hazards	All parts of the plant, except the flesh of the fruit, are highly poisonous, having a paralyzing affect on the heart[1, 4, 7, 10, 19, 65].
Range	Europe, incl Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, the Caucasus, Iran, Himalayas.
Habitat	Woods and scrub, usually on limestone. It sometimes forms pure stands in sheltered sites on chalk in the south-east and on limestone in the north-west[17].
Edibility Rating	3 (1-5)	Medicinal Rating	4 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics

An evergreen Tree growing to 15m by 10m at a slow rate.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Habitats

Woodland Garden; Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Deep Shade; Ground Cover; Hedge;

Cultivars: (as above except)
'Fastigiata' not Secondary;
'Nidiformis'
'Repandens' not Secondary;
'Summergold' not Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit.

Edible Uses: Tea.

Fruit - raw[1, 2, 65, 81, 158]. Very sweet and gelatinous, most people find it delicious though some find it sickly[K]. A number of people who like the flavour do not like the texture which is often described as being 'snotty'[K]. All other parts of this plant, including the seed, are highly poisonous. When eating the fruit you should spit out the large seed found in the fruit's centre. Should you swallow the whole seed it will just pass straight through you without harm. If it is bitten into, however, you will notice a very bitter flavour and the seed should immediately be spat out or it could cause some problems. The fruit is a fleshy berry about 10mm in diameter and containing a single seed[200]. Some reports suggest using the bark as a tea substitute[158, 183], this would probably be very unwise.

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Antispasmodic; Cancer; Cardiotonic; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Expectorant; Homeopathy; Narcotic; Purgative.

The yew tree is a highly toxic plant that has occasionally been used medicinally, mainly in the treatment of chest complaints. Modern research has shown that the plants contain the substance 'taxol' in their shoots. Taxol has shown exciting potential as an anti-cancer drug, particularly in the treatment of ovarian cancers[238]. Unfortunately, the concentrations of taxol in this species are too low to be of much value commercially, though it is being used for research purposes[238]. This remedy should be used with great caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[21]. See also the notes above on toxicity. All parts of the plant, except the fleshy fruit, are antispasmodic, cardiotonic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, narcotic and purgative[7, 21]. The leaves have been used internally in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, hiccup, indigestion, rheumatism and epilepsy[240, 257]. Externally, the leaves have been used in a steam bath as a treatment for rheumatism[257]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the young shoots and the berries[4]. It is used in the treatment of many diseases including cystitis, eruptions, headaches, heart and kidney problems, rheumatism etc[4].

Other Uses

Fuel; Ground cover; Hedge; Incense; Insecticide; Wood.

Very tolerant of trimming, this plant makes an excellent hedge[1, 11, 29]. The plants are often used in topiary and even when fairly old, the trees can be cut back into old wood and will resprout[200]. One report says that trees up to 1000 years old respond well to trimming[200]. A decoction of the leaves is used as an insecticide[46, 61]. Some cultivars can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 1 metre or more apart each way[208]. 'Repandens' has been recommended[208]. Wood - heavy, hard, durable, elastic, takes a good polish but requires long seasoning. Highly esteemed by cabinet makers, it is also used for bows, tool handles etc[4, 7, 11, 46, 61, 66, 146]. It makes a good firewood[6]. The wood is burnt as an incense[146].

Cultivation details

A very easy plant to grow, it is extremely tolerant of cold and heat, sunny and shady positions, wet and dry soils, exposure and any pH[200]. Thrives in almost any soil, acid or alkaline, as long as it is well-drained[1, 11, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Sensitive to soil compaction by roads etc[186, 200]. Very shade tolerant[17, 81]. Tolerates urban pollution[200]. In general they are very tolerant of exposure, though plants are damaged by severe maritime exposure[K]. A very cold hardy plant when dormant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[200]. The fresh young shoots in spring, however, can be damaged by frosts[186, K]. Plants are dioecious, though they sometimes change sex and monoecious trees are sometimes found[81, 186]. Male and female trees must be grown if fruit and seed is required[K]. The fruit is produced mainly on the undersides of one-year old branches[200]. A very long lived tree[1, 7, 11, 185], one report suggests that a tree in Perthshire is 1500 years old, making it the oldest plant in Britain. Another report says that trees can be up to 4000 years old[11]. It is, however, slow growing and usually takes about 20 years to reach a height of 4.5 metres[186]. Young plants occasionally grow 30cm in a year but this soon tails off and virtually no height increase is made after 100 years[185]. A very ornamental tree, there are many named varieties[200]. Very resistant to honey fungus[8, 88, 200], but susceptible to phytopthera root rot[81, 88]. The bark is very soft and branches or even the whole tree can be killed if the bark is removed by constant friction such as by children climbing the tree[186]. Plants produce very little fibrous root and should be planted in their final positions when still small[200]. The fruit is greatly relished by thrushes[186].

Propagation

Seed - can be very slow to germinate, often taking 2 or more years[78, 80]. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn when it should germinate 18 months later. Stored seed may take 2 years or more to germinate. 4 months warm followed by 4 months cold stratification may help reduce the germination time[113]. Harvesting the seed 'green' (when fully developed but before it has dried on the plant) and then sowing it immediately has not been found to reduce the germination time because the inhibiting factors develop too early[80]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in pots in a cold frame. The seedlings are very slow-growing and will probably require at least 2 years of pot cultivation before being large enough to plant out. Any planting out is best done in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 8cm long, July/August in a shaded frame. Should root by late September but leave them in the frame over winter and plant out in late spring[78]. High percentage[11]. Cuttings of ripe terminal shoots, taken in winter after a hard frost, in a shaded frame[113].

Cultivars

'Fastigiata'

A slow-growing female form of columnar habit, eventually reaching a height of perhaps 15 metres in western Britain, though it is lower and squatter in the east of the country[11]. The plant occasionally bears some male flowers and the occasional seedlings that are produced as a result of self-fertilization are usually of similar habit to the parent[11]. Otherwise seedlings produced from cross fertilization usually follow the growth habit of the male[11].

'Fructo-luteo'

Very similar in habit to the type species, differing mainly in having very attractive orange fruits[11]. These frits are of good quality and are usually produced in abundance[K].

'Hesseii'

Forms a spreading shrub about 5 metres tall and wide. Bears heavy crops of firm, well-flavoured fruits, though there is sometimes a slightly bitter aftertaste.

'Nidiformis'

A small specimen of this plant, 1.2 metres tall, was seen at Hilliers Arboretum in September 1994. It had a large crop of sweet fruits, though they were somewhat smaller than average[K].

'Repandens'

A semi-prostrate female form eventually forming an undulating mass up to 75cm tall and 4.5 metres wide[11]. It makes an excellent ground cover[11].

'Summergold'

Links

This plant is also mentioned in the following PFAF articles: Alternative fruits, Edible Shrubs, Staple seed crops from perennials..

References

[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.

[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[2] Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Lots of entries, quite a lot of information in most entries and references.

[4] Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.

[6] Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana 1979 ISBN 0-00-635555-2
Details on some of the useful wild plants of Britain. Poor on pictures but otherwise very good.

[7] Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984 ISBN 0-356-10541-5
Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs.

[8] Ceres. Free for All. Thorsons Publishers 1977 ISBN 0-7225-0445-4
Edible wild plants in Britain. Small booklet, nothing special.

[10] Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus 1980 ISBN 0-7011-2526-8
A small book, reasonable but not very detailed.

[11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.

[17] Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962
A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.

[19] Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn 1983 ISBN 0-600-35666-3
Not very comprehensive, but easy reading.

[21] Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983 ISBN 0-553-23827-2
Lots of information tightly crammed into a fairly small book.

[29] Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974 ISBN 0900629649
A small but informative booklet giving details of all the hedging plants being grown in the R.H.S. gardens at Wisley in Surrey.

[46] Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959
An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.

[61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202
Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.

[65] Frohne. D. and Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984 ISBN 0723408394
Brilliant. Goes into technical details but in a very readable way. The best work on the subject that I've come across so far.

[66] Freethy. R. From Agar to Zenery. The Crowood Press 1985 ISBN 0-946284-51-2
Very readable, giving details on plant uses based on the authors own experiences.

[78] Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948
A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.

[80] McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books 1985 ISBN 0-901361-21-6
Does not deal with many species but it is very comprehensive on those that it does cover. Not for casual reading.

[81] Rushforth. K. Conifers. Christopher Helm 1987 ISBN 0-7470-2801-X
Deals with conifers that can be grown outdoors in Britain. Good notes on cultivation and a few bits about plant uses.

[88] RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society 1987
Snippets of information from the magazine of the RHS. In particular, there are articles on plants that are resistant to honey fungus, oriental vegetables, Cimicifuga spp, Passiflora species and Cucurbits.

[113] Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987 ISBN 0942375009
A very detailed book on propagating trees. Not for the casual reader.

[146] Gamble. J. S. A Manual of Indian Timbers. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh 1972
Written last century, but still a classic, giving a lot of information on the uses and habitats of Indian trees. Not for the casual reader.

[158] Gupta. B. L. Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Forest Research Institute Press 1945
A good flora for the middle Himalayan forests, sparsly illustrated. Not really for the casual reader.

[183] Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

[185] Mitchell. A. F. Conifers in the British Isles. HMSO 1975 ISBN 0-11-710012-9
A bit out of date (first published in 1972), but an excellent guide to how well the various species of conifers grow in Britain giving locations of trees.

[186] Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold 1979
An excellent guide to native British trees and shrubs with lots of details about the plants.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[208] Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990 ISBN 0-460-12609-1
An excellent detailled book on the subject, very comprehensive.

[238] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.

[240] Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986
Very terse details of medicinal uses of plants with a wide range of references and details of research into the plants chemistry. Not for the casual reader.

[257] Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Very comprehensive but terse guide to the native uses of plants. Excellent bibliography, fully referenced to each plant, giving a pathway to further information. Not for the casual reader.

Readers Comments

Plants for a Future does not verify the accuracy of reader comments, use at your own risk. In particular Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. You should always consult a professional before using plants medicinally.

Alternative fruits

John Mon Jun 25 17:31:40 2001

I have long been an avid gardener, focusing on the use of native plants rather than ornamental varieties. I am also an experienced outdoorsman with a wide range of survival skills, including the use of edible plants and insects. You mentioned the fruit of Taxus baccata as being edible, but every written resource I have come across treats all parts of this plant as extremely poisonous. I currently collect 47 indigenous edible fungi and plants and would not mind adding yew berries to my repertoire. But first, of course, I need to do further research on the subject. Can you point me in the right direction? My e-mail address is NakedmanJG@yahoo.com. Thank-you, John.

Alternative fruits

Rich Thu Jun 28 17:34:43 2001

Apparently its only the seeds of the plants which are poisionious the fleshy parts of the fruit are fine. Our database entry says

All parts of the plant, except the flesh of the fruit, are highly poisonous, having a paralyzing affect on the heart.

When eating the fruit you should spit out the large seed found in the fruit's centre. Should you swallow the whole seed it will just pass straight through you without harm. If it is bitten into, however, you will notice a very bitter flavour and the seed should immediately be spat out or it could cause some problems.

Alternative fruits

Leda Meredith Tue Nov 5 15:48:15 2002

I can vouch for the fact that the fleshy part of Yew (Taxus) fruit is edible. As far as I know, all other parts of the plants, including the large single seeds are poisonous. Not a major food source, I'd say, but the large seeds are easy to spit out and the fleshy part is mildly sweet and juicy--a good trail nibble.

Taxus baccata

Rich (webweaver) Tue Jun 27 2006

I see you, and other readers, recommend eating the fleshy cup surrounding the yew berry. I too eat them from time to time just for fun, but please note what it says in _British Poisonous Plants_, HMSO Bulletin 161, 1968 (1976). "The cup is attractive to children...the juicy part is sweet and not very poisonous..." (p.30, para 2.) Note "not _very_ poisonous". But farther down the page, we find "Children have died from eating the cups." (p.30, para 4.) The book is concerned principally with toxicity to livestock, so I imagine it's a question of small children having rather less body mass than sheep! Perhaps a word of warning would be sensible? Best wishes, and keep up the excellent work. Mike Lyle (Cheltenham).

Taxus baccata

Wed Aug 30 2006

I have heard that the fleshy part is edible but can also be used as a laxative so probably best to eat it in moderation

Taxus baccata

Oscvar Sun Sep 24 2006

I am befuddled, probably because of my ignorance on the subject; about Taxus Baccata being such a widespread ornamental if it is so poisonous, particularly to children. The only empirical explanation, if not very reassuring, is that even children would not go about snacking on a Taxus. Where I live Taxus Baccata is widely used as a hedge and I have been lovingly tending to one at home for the past 3 years, it’s coming along gorgeous, the hedge is about 2 meters tall already. It is a little sparse; I’m yet to really make it thicken up. Today I learned about its toxicity and I am terrified because I have 2 and 5 year old children at home!?… Please, can anybody shed some light, offer any guidance? I have considered chopping it all off…

Taxus baccata

Robert Fri Oct 13 2006

how old are young plants beforethey bear fruit

Taxus baccata

Ken Fern Fri Oct 20 2006

The time it takes for a young plant to commence fruiting is very variable, and also depends upon whether the young plant was started from seed or was produced vegetatively (cuttings). We have had a seedling commence fruiting when only 8 years old, but this, I feel, is exceptional. Most of the seedlings I have grown have taken 10 - 15 years or even longer before flowering. Named cultivars, which are produced vegetatively, should take less time. Please also remember that plants are either male or female - if you have a male plant it will never bear fruit.

Taxus baccata

Ricki Wenn Sun Jun 10 2007

I have pet rabbits in my garden and would love some of this species, but are they toxic to the rabbits too?

Taxus baccata

michael Fri Dec 28 2007

Does anyone know of references to yew berries being used in traditional Christmas puddings?

Taxus baccata

Jill Rixon Mon Jan 14 2008

I have heard that yew clippings should not be composted - is this true?

Taxus baccata

Peer Zada Ishtiyak Wed Jun 11 2008

Taxus baccata taxus baccata is a wonder tree. Besides its ornamental value,i t is the main source of an alcolide Taxin (which is used in the preparation of a drug taxol used to treat the patients of breast and uterus cancer. my only request is we should work for its protection not exploitation

Taxus baccata

Tue Jun 17 2008

Msg for Jill Rixon - No, don't compost your yew clippings, donate them for scientific research in curing cancer! Msg for Oscvar - Don't panic your Yew hedge will be fine just don't let your kids eat it! Cheers, Rapp Scallion.

Taxus baccata

dr kashinath Sat Jul 12 2008

what are the che midal contnts of its leaves?

Taxus baccata

tushar pimpale Sun Aug 3 2008

How it acts as a contraceptive?

Taxus baccata

Dr. Srihariom Verma Tue Aug 12 2008

i want to cultivate T.bacata for taxol,so pl.tell me in how much time i can get commercial stage. thanks for u'r valuable info.. pl. gaide me in this respect.

Taxus baccata

Ludd Sun Aug 17 2008

I quote from The foliage and seeds contain several alkaloids, in particular taxine, very poisonous, which alters to hydrotaxine by hydrolysis. Also one glucoside, taxicatine. The wood, bark, foliage and seeds are toxic. The foliage is the principal source of taxine. Old and desiccated foliage are more poisonous than young and fresh foliage. Poisoning is frequent in animals. Horses, asses and mules are extremely sensitive and can be killed in less than one hour. Rabbits, guinea-pigs and cats are insensitive to taxine. In humans, the yew generates digestive, nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders which can result in death. Symptoms include excitation, hyperventilation, and tachycardia, followed by deceleration of the heart, hypotension, nausea, stomach pains, cramps, giddinesses, colic, violent diarrhoea, dizzy spells, convulsions, coma and death. The red aril surrounding the seed can be eaten just as it is like delicacy with the proviso of not chewing the seed. It is sweetened and very mucilagineux. The arilles, removed from their seeds, have diuretic and laxative effects (L'Herbier Virtuel).

Taxus baccata

Chheku Mon Jan 19 2009

can we market the plant commercially

Taxus baccata

raj Tue Jul 21 2009

about the taxus baccata i need all the information

Taxus baccata

harry Wed Sep 30 2009

HI is this tree dangerous to dogs

Taxus baccata

david Fri Oct 23 2009

The toxins in the leaves bark and seeds can kill dogs, I expect playing stick with branches would be the only time they are very likely to be poisoned since they're meat eaters. I don't have any reports of actual poisoning.

Taxus baccata

cathy Mon Nov 9 2009

Is taxus poisonous to other plants?

Taxus baccata

Wed Nov 18 2009

i ate a seed after chewing on it for 2 minuntes and i was paralized for ten minuntes

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