Taxus brevifolia - Pacific Yew

Description

Western Yew is easily recognized by its dark green, 2-ranked needles with a sharp but not stiff point, and by the definite ridge down the center of the upper surface. The fruit when present, is also very distinctive. It is an orange or salmon colored cup-shaped berry. Since this Yew is dioecious, the berries are only found on female trees. The bark is thin and the papery reddish-purple scales keep peeling, showing a rosy under layer. Grows best in coastal areas. Important as a source of taxol which is used to treat ovarian cancer. The fruits are poisonous.