European Yew
Taxus baccata
Plant Images
OneSeed Image
Description
The European Yew is a slow-growing, long-lived evergreen tree native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It plays a crucial role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a windbreak and hedge due to its dense growth habit. Its dense foliage provides excellent habitat and shelter for wildlife, contributing to biodiversity. Historically, the wood was prized for making longbows, and its presence in ancient woodlands adds to its ecological value. In a food forest system, it serves as an understory tree, providing structure and habitat. Despite its toxic nature, the red arils are a food source for birds, which help in seed dispersal. Guild companions include shade-tolerant plants like ferns and woodland herbs.
Growing Details
European Yew thrives in well-drained soils and can adapt to a variety of soil types, including chalky and clay soils. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. For soil preparation, ensure good drainage and consider mulching with organic matter to retain moisture. Companion plants include shade-tolerant species like ferns and woodland herbs. Common mistakes include planting in waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot. Propagation is typically through seed, which requires stratific
Tags
Hedge
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Building Wood
Windbreak
Visual Appeal
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Taxus baccata</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of
applicable geo region: Europe
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of March for 30 days
Harvest:
end
of September for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: Only the red arils surrounding the seeds are edible, but caution is advised as the seeds themselves are highly toxic. The arils can be consumed fresh but must be carefully separated from the seeds.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Yew has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-cancer properties, particularly in the development of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel (Taxol). The bark is the primary source of these compounds, but due to its toxicity, it should only be used under professional guidance.
health concerns: All parts of the plant, except the red arils, are highly toxic if ingested, containing toxic alkaloids such as taxine. Extreme caution should be exercised to prevent accidental ingestion by humans and livestock.
other uses: The wood is highly valued for its strength and elasticity, used historically for making longbows and other tools. It is also used in fine woodworking and cabinetry.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Taxus baccata</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Taxus baccata
common names: English Yew; Common Yew; Yew
family: Taxaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Taxus
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 2.0 m
growing difficulty: High
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: Medium
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
(6/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 1000 years
succession: Late
growth rate: Slow
max height: 20.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Dioecious
growth details: European Yew thrives in well-drained soils and can adapt to a variety of soil types, including chalky and clay soils. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. For soil preparation, ensure good drainage and consider mulching with organic matter to retain moisture. Companion plants include shade-tolerant species like ferns and woodland herbs. Common mistakes include planting in waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot. Propagation is typically through seed, which requires stratific
Potential Disturbances: European Yew is generally resistant to ecological pressures. However, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. To manage this, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Beneficial insects like ladybugs can help control any aphid populations that may appear.
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Download QR Code
Loading comments...