Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia, N. Amer. Sylv. 3: 86 (1849))

Family: Taxaceae

Author: Nutt.

Bibliography: N. Amer. Sylv. 3: 86 (1849)

Year: 1849

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Taxus

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Alaska to W. U.S.A.

Description

The Pacific yew, scientifically known as Taxus brevifolia, is a small- to medium-sized evergreen tree belonging to the Taxaceae family. This species was first described by Nutt. in 1849, as cited in N. Amer. Sylv. 3: 86.

The natural range of the Pacific yew spans from southern Alaska to the western United States, where it typically thrives in the understory of coniferous forests. Adaptable and resilient, it can be found in a variety of habitats, from the coastal rainforests to the drier inland forests.

Characterized by its slow growth and distinctive reddish-brown bark, the Pacific yew exhibits flat, needle-like leaves that are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green underneath. The foliage is generally dense, providing essential cover for various wildlife species in its native range.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Taxus brevifolia is its bark and needles, which contain taxol, a compound used in the treatment of certain cancers, notably breast and ovarian cancers. This discovery has propelled the species into the spotlight for its medicinal value, contributing to new strategies in sustainable harvesting and conservation efforts to preserve this invaluable resource.

Aside from its medical significance, the Pacific yew has also been utilized traditionally by Indigenous peoples of the region. The wood, known for its strength and flexibility, was commonly used to craft tools, weapons, and even ceremonial objects.

Despite its many uses, the Pacific yew faces challenges from habitat destruction and overharvesting. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this unique and ecologically important species, allowing it to continue its vital role in forest ecosystems and its contributions to human health.

Common Names

Eng: californian yew, pacific yew, western yew, canadian yew
Deu: kurzblättrige eibe, pazifische eibe
Hun: oregoni tiszafa
Fra: if de californie, if de l’ouest, if occidental
Swe: läkeidegran
Rus: тис коротколистный (tis korotkolistnyj)
Zho: 短叶红豆杉 (duan ye hong dou shan)
En: Pacific yew, Western yew, Canadian Yew, Californian yew
Ar: طقسوس قصير الأوراق
Az: Şərq qaraçöhrəsi
Bg: Тихоокеански тис
Zh: 短叶红豆杉, 短叶红豆杉 (duan ye hong dou shan)
Et: Lühiokkaline jugapuu
Fr: If de l’Ouest, If de Californie, If occidental
De: Pazifische Eibe, Kurzblättrige Eibe
He: טקסוס פסיפי
Hu: Oregoni tiszafa
Is: Kyrrahafsýr
No: Stillehavsbarlind
Pl: Cis krótkolistny
Ru: Тис коротколистный, Тис коротколистный (tis korotkolistnyj)
Sv: Läkeidegran

Synonyms

• Taxus lindleyana (A.Murray bis)
• Taxus bourcieri (Carrière)
• Taxus brevifolia subsp. reptaneta ((Spjut) Silba)
• Taxus occidentalis (Nutt.)
• Taxus brevifolia subsp. polychaeta ((Spjut) Silba)
• Taxus brevifolia var. polychaeta (Spjut)
• Taxus baccata subsp. brevifolia ((Nutt.) Pilg.)
• Taxus baccata var. brevifolia ((Nutt.) Koehne)
• Taxus brevifolia var. reptaneta (Spjut)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 17, 2018 by Manuel Stuckmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Clémentine Viargues (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2019 by Clément Vivion (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Georges GRIGNON (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 2, 2021 by asher rosebrook (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2019 by lucas roy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Bernard Meyzie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2022 by Rvt 063 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2018 by Jennifer Soukup (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Pérez Óscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Edwin Maupomé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2022 by Gabriel Sérgio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2022 by El Mojito (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Partanen Asta (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 21, 2014 by EOL − murric17 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 10, 2015 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 4, 2022 by El Mojito (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Pérez Óscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2018 by Jennifer Soukup (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by martin kopp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 26, 2020 by Schatz Svenja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2022 by elektronische_brieftaube (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 22, 2022 by Dave Flack (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5284555)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:249736-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Taxus brevifolia Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Stem

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth rate>: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 6.2