Ground-hemlock (Taxus canadensis, Arbust. Amer.: 150 (1785))

Family: Taxaceae

Author: Marshall

Bibliography: Arbust. Amer.: 150 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Taxus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Ground-hemlock, scientifically known as Taxus canadensis, is a distinctive plant species belonging to the Taxaceae family. First described by Marshall in the late 18th century, Taxus canadensis was officially documented in “Arbust. Amer.” in 1785. This evergreen shrub is native to North America and can be found in diverse regions ranging from Central and Eastern Canada down through the Northeastern United States, extending as far south as North Carolina.

Ground-hemlock is typically recognized for its short, spreading habit, often forming dense thickets under forest canopies. The plant’s foliage consists of dark-green, needle-like leaves arranged in spirals, lending it a lush, robust appearance. These leaves are flat and soft to the touch, tapering to a point, and they contribute to the plant’s year-round green coloration.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Ground-hemlock is its berry-like seeds, encased in bright red, fleshy structures called arils. These arils are particularly eye-catching against the green foliage, providing a stark contrast that aids in seed dispersal by attracting birds. Despite their visual appeal, it is essential to note that parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic if ingested by humans and animals.

Ecologically, Taxus canadensis plays a critical role in its native habitats. It provides shelter and food for various wildlife species and contributes to the forest understory’s biodiversity. The plant thrives in cool, moist environments, often preferring shaded or partially shaded areas with well-drained, acidic soil. Its ability to tolerate and even thrive in the shade makes it an excellent understory plant, contributing to soil stabilization and erosion control.

Cultivation of Ground-hemlock as an ornamental plant is relatively uncommon due to its slow growth rate and specific habitat requirements. However, it is occasionally used in landscape design for its attractive, evergreen foliage and resilience in shaded garden beds.

In summary, Ground-hemlock (Taxus canadensis) is a notable member of the Taxaceae family with a significant presence across Central and Eastern Canada to the Eastern United States. Its evergreen characteristics, berry-like arils, and ecological value make it a distinct and valuable species in North American flora.

Common Names

Eng: american yew, canada yew, canadian yew, ground hemlock, ground-hemlock, shinwood
Hun: kanadai tiszafa
Deu: kanadische eibe
Ita: tasso del canada
Fra: bois de sapin, buis, buis de sapin, if du canada, sapin traînard
Swe: kanadensisk idegran
Rus: тис канадский (tis kanadskij)
Zho: 加拿大红豆杉 (jia na da hong dou shan)
Nno: kanadabarlind
Nob: kanadabarlind
En: Ground-hemlock, American yew, Canada yew, Shinwood, Canadian Yew, Ground hemlock
Ar: طقسوس كندي
Az: Kanada qaraçöhrəsi
Bg: Канадски тис
Zh: 加拿大红豆杉 (jia na da hong dou shan)
Fr: Buis de sapin, If du Canada, Bois de sapin, Buis, Sapin traînard
De: Kanadische Eibe
Hu: Kanadai tiszafa
Is: Kanadaýr
It: Tasso del Canada
No: Canadisk barlind
Nb: Kanadabarlind
Nn: Kanadabarlind
Pl: Cis kanadyjski
Ru: Тис канадский, Тис канадский (tis kanadskij)
Sv: Kanadensisk idegran
Tr: Kanada porsuğu

Synonyms

• Taxus canadensis var. adpressa ((Carrière) Spjut)
• Taxus canadensis f. stricta ((L.H.Bailey) Rehder)
• Taxus baccata var. minor (Michx.)
• Taxus baccata subsp. canadensis ((Marshall) Pilg.)
• Taxus baccata subsp. minor ((Michx.) Voss)
• Taxus canadensis var. stricta (L.H.Bailey)
• Taxus baccata var. adpressa (Carrière)
• Taxus canadensis variegata (Jacob-Makoy)
• Taxus canadensis var. minor ((Michx.) Spjut)
• Taxus baccata var. canadensis ((Marshall) A.Gray)
• Taxus minor ((Michx.) Britton ex Small & Vail)
• Taxus baccata var. procumbens (Loudon)
• Taxus canadensis var. pyramidalis (Rinz)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Dec 21, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2020 by claire.m (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2022 by roro momo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 21, 2015 by EOL − canadianmaple (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 10, 2015 by EOL − Michael Allen (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Benjamin Pirling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Bradley Bell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by m m (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2020 by Mancy ATE (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 26, 2013 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by m m (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2020 by Soraya Lahlou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2020 by Eric Le5 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2017 by Aidan Findlater (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Yoshimi Song (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Jochen Siebenbuerger (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 2, 2022 by Dave Flack (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by celia.lagadic1 (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5284570)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:828354-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Taxus canadensis Marshall)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.3