Taxus baccata is native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwestern Asia. It is widespread in many temperate regions of the world, often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Taxus baccata is an evergreen conifer that can reach heights of 10-20 meters, though it can grow taller under ideal conditions. It has a columnar or conical shape when young, becoming more sprawling and irregular with age. The bark is red-brown and peels off in thin plates. The leaves are needle-like, flat, and flexible, dark green on the upper side and lighter green underneath, arranged spirally on the branches.
Flowering occurs in spring. Taxus baccata is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants. Male flowers are small and globular, yellow in color, while female flowers are even smaller and less conspicuous. The fruits are red, fleshy arils containing a single seed. These arils are the only non-toxic part of the plant; all other parts, including the seeds, are highly poisonous.
Taxus baccata prefers well-drained, calcareous or neutral soils but is very adaptable and can grow in acidic soils as well. It favors shaded or partially shaded positions but can tolerate full sun if the soil remains sufficiently moist. It is a resilient plant capable of surviving in a variety of climatic conditions.
Taxus baccata is valued for its longevity and ornamental appeal. It is often used to create formal hedges and topiaries due to its ability to withstand severe pruning. In gardening, it is admired for its dense foliage and the beauty of its red arils contrasting with the dark green leaves. However, it is important to be aware of its toxicity: all parts of the plant, except the red aril, contain highly poisonous alkaloids that can be lethal if ingested. Historically, yew wood was highly valued for its hardness and durability, used to make bows and various tools.
