Taxus brevifolia

Taxus brevifolia, also known as the Pacific yew or Western yew, is a conifer native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is a member of the yew family Taxaceae.

Description

Taxus brevifolia is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, growing 10–15 m tall and with a trunk up to 50 cm diameter, rarely more. The bark is thin and scaly, coming off in small flakes aligned with the stem. The leaves are lanceolate, flat, dark green above, and with two blue-white stomatal bands below. The seed cones are highly modified, each cone containing a single seed 4–7 mm long partly surrounded by a modified scale which develops into a soft, bright red berry-like structure called an aril.

Distribution and habitat

The Pacific yew is found in the Pacific Northwest of North America, from southernmost Alaska south to central California, mostly near the Pacific coast, but extending inland as far as central Idaho. It is associated with Douglas-fir forests and is found at low to middle elevations.

Uses

The wood of Taxus brevifolia is hard and durable. It was used by Native Americans to make bows and tools. Today, it is used for decorative purposes, such as carving and furniture making.

Medical significance

The Pacific yew is notable for its production of taxol, a chemotherapy drug. The bark of the Pacific yew was the original source of taxol, but it is now synthesized in the lab.

Conservation

Due to its slow growth and over-harvesting for taxol production, the Pacific yew is at risk of extinction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species.

See also

• Taxus
• Taxol
• Douglas-fir

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