Taxus brevifolia Pacific yew (Taxaceae) Evergreen tree

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Taxus brevifolia
Pacific yew
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Taxus brevifolia plant species is found in Western N. America - Alaska to California. It is a member of the Taxaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Pacific yew.

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Latin Name:  Taxus brevifolia
Common Name:  Pacific yew
Family:  Taxaceae
Author:  Nutt.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant, except the flesh of the fruit, are highly poisonous[1, 4, 7, 10, 19, 65].

Mature Height:  15   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Growing singly or in small clumps on the banks of mountain streams, in deep gorges and ravines, especially under large coniferous trees[82].

Medicinal Information: The Pacific yew is a highly toxic plant but it was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. Modern research has shown that it contains the substance 'taxol' in its shoots and bark. Taxol has shown exciting potential as an anti-cancer drug, particularly in the treatment of ovarian cancers[238]. Unfortunately, the concentrations of taxol are rather low and the bark of 6 trees is required to provide enough taxol to treat one patient[238]. This remedy is very toxic and, even when used externally, should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity. All parts of the plant, except the fleshy fruit, are diaphoretic and pectoral[257]. A decoction of the branches and leaves has been used in the treatment of lung problems[257]. An infusion of the crushed leaves has been used externally as a wash to cause perspiration and effect a general improvement in the health[257]. A poultice of the crushed leaves has been applied to wounds[257]. A decoction of small woody pieces has been used in the treatment of internal complaints including stomach pains and blood in the urine[257]. The leaves are harvested in early autumn or spring, the bark from autumn to spring, for commercial extraction of taxol[238].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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