Yew

Taxus baccata

Family: Taxaceae

Common Hedge/Foundation Shrub (Cooler Climates)
Sudden Cardiac Death Risk

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

needles, bark, and seeds (the fleshy red berry coating itself is generally considered non-toxic, but the hard seed inside it is toxic if chewed)

Preparation

not applicable: no amount or preparation of needles, bark, or seeds makes them safe to eat

Hazard type

fatal poisoning (ingestion, especially of chewed seeds or needles)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is complete as far as our sources go. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Toxic to pets

Toxic principle: taxine A and B alkaloids, plus a volatile oil. ASPCA-listed clinical signs: tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures (dogs), and sudden death from acute heart failure: notably, death can occur with no preceding clinical signs at all, which makes yew one of the more dangerous ornamental plants despite looking unremarkable. Cornell says the toxins are in every part except the red aril, and the seed inside the aril is toxic. The app does not say any part of a yew may be eaten.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Most garden yews are hardy roughly 4-7; generally too cold-loving for central Florida.
Mature size: Varies widely by species and cultivar, from low spreading groundcover forms to large shrubs/small trees 20-40+ feet.
Where it comes from: Taxus baccata is native to Europe; Taxus cuspidata is native to Japan and other East Asian yews are also widely planted. Several species and hybrids are grown as hedging and foundation shrubs in temperate climates; not a common Florida landscape plant.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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