A Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Washington State
Hosted by the University of Washington Herbarium, Burke Museum
Hosted by the University of Washington Herbarium, Burke Museum
Last updated 1/14/2024 by David Giblin.
Taxus brevifolia Nutt.[FNA2, HC, HC2]
Pacific yew, western yew
Publication: N. Amer. Sylv. 3: 86, plate 108. 1849.
Origin: Native
selected vouchers: WTU
Notes: FNA2: "The name Taxus baccata Hooker has been misapplied to this species.
The leaves of Taxus brevifolia are usually somewhat falcate.
The wood of Taxus brevifolia is hard and durable, yet easily worked, making it popular for construction of novelty items by local woodworkers. Because of this, large trees are unscrupulously poached; in some areas the species has been nearly extirpated. The bark of the tree is a promising natural source of taxol, a drug for treating various cancers; exploitation of the species for medicinal purposes is further threatening it."
References:
» Taylor, R. L. and S. Taylor. 1981. Taxus brevifolia in British Columbia. Davidsonia 12(4): 89–94.
Synonyms & Misapplied Names:
Taxus baccata L. ssp. brevifolia (Nutt.) Pilger
Taxus baccata L. var. brevifolia (Nutt.) Koehne
Taxus baccata L. var. canadensis Benth.
Taxus bourcieri Carrière
Taxus lindleyana A. Murray bis
