Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia)

Family: Taxaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Taxus brevifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet and gelatinous, most people find it delicious though some find it sickly. — Very sweet and gelatinous, most people find it delicious though some find it sickly.; The fruit is a fleshy berry about 8mm in diameter and containing a single seed.; Trees usually produce good crops every year.; All other parts of this plant, including the seed, are highly poisonous.

Habitat & North American Range

Growing singly or in small clumps on the banks of mountain streams, in deep gorges and ravines, open or dense forests, especially under large coniferous trees from sea level to 2200 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)