Yew
Description
The genus Taxus is composed of 10 species native to North America, Central America and Eurasia. The word taxus is the classical Latin name, from the Greek taxos. The word brevifolia means short leaf, referring to the size of its needles, relative to the English yew (Taxus baccata L.). Recently, taxol, an anti-cancer agent, has been isolated from the bark of Taxus brevifolia.
Other Common Names
Canadese taxus, Canadian yew, if a feuilles courtes, if du Canada, if occidental, kanadensisk idegran, mountain mahogany, Oregon yew, Pacific yew, pazifische eibe, tassi d'america, tasso americano, taxo americano, tejo americano, western yew, westerse taxus, yew.
Distribution
Pacific yew is native to the Pacific Coast region from southeast Alaska, south in western British Columbia, western Washington, western Oregon and northern and central California (including the Sierra Nevada). It is also grows in the Rocky Mountain region from southeast British Columbia south to northwest Montana, northern Idaho, eastern Washington and northeast Oregon.
The Tree
Pacific yew trees reach heights of 50 feet, with diameters of 2 feet. The largest tree on record was 60 feet tall, with a diameter of 6 feet.
General Wood Characteristics
The wood from Pacific yew has a thin light tan sapwood, while the heartwood is brown to bright orange. It is dense, very hard and strong, heavy and has a very fine, straight and close grain with a fine texture. It has a high luster and has no characteristic odor or taste.