Canada Yew

Scientific name

Taxus canadensis

Description

The Canada Yew, also referred to as the American Yew or Ground Hemlock, is a small coniferous shrub which grows as an understory shrub from Ontario to Newfoundland. Preferring moist, loamy soils, this species is found along shorelines, riparian zones, marshes, and swamps. Rarely reaching heights of 2.5 meters, this species produces sprawling, staggering branches sprouting from a multi-stemmed base. Leaves produced are flat, dark green needles, arranged in two flat rows on either side of the branch. Over the winter and spring, this shrub develops a scaly seed cone with each cone housing one seed. By late summer to early fall, the cones develop into a red berry. This shrub provides shelter and food for many different bird species. Though poisonous to humans when ingested, the Canada Yew is harvested for its toxins and used in cancer research.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 2m