Californian Yew
Taxus brevifolia
Yew family (Taxaceae)
Near threatened
Poison for cancer
In Dutch the yew is also called the ‘danger tree’ in reference to its toxicity. Taxus species including the native European species provide, amongst other things, the toxic substance taxol, an important component of drugs used in the fight against certain cancers.
Taxus brevifolia is native to northwestern North America and is also known as the western yew. This species contains the highest percentage of taxol of all yew species. Since the discovery of the efficacy of this compound this tree has been in high demand for research and breeding trials.
Taxus brevifolia is recognizable by its small needles and the red ‘berries’. In cultivation it usually retains a bush-like habit.
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Taxus globosa
Themes
Crown jewel in the Blijdenstein Pinetum.
Part of the Dutch National Conifer Collection.
Fragrant; contains resin.
Important source of the anticancer medicine, taxol.
Details
| Description: | Conifer, shrub or small tree to 15-25 m tall and 50-140 cm in diameter; dioecious. |
|---|---|
| Distributions: | California |
| Habitat: | Subtropical conifer forests. |
| Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic evergreen) |
| Hardiness: | 5 - 14 f (hardy - cold winter) |
| Flowering period: | Maart - mei |
| Flower color: | Not applicable |
| Fruiting period: | Mei - september |