How to identify Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis)

How to identify Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis)

Chinese yew is an evergreen conifer exhibiting dark green, needle-like leaves arranged spirally on the branches. The needles are stiff and pointed, typically measuring 0.78 to 1.18 inches (2 to 3 cm) in length. The bark of chinese yew is scaly and varies in color from reddish-brown to gray. It forms a dense, conical to oval-shaped canopy, making it distinguishable. Chinese yew can be a large shrub or grow into a tree reaching heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters) with a similar spread.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Chinese yew

Needle-like leaves, dark green to yellow-green, roughly 0.75 to 1.25 inches (2 to 3 cm) long, convex.

Conical to oval-shaped canopy, dense and evergreen, reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall.

Distinct fleshy red aril enclosing a single seed, not a true berry, about 0.4 inches (1 cm) diameter.

Slender stems with grooved leaf bases, brown to reddish-brown, 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm) diameter.

Thin bark that exfoliates naturally, varying from deep reddish to purple brown, distinct textural feel.

Detailed Traits of Chinese yew

Leaf Features

The leaves of chinese yew are flat, needle-like, and typically convex. They exhibit a range of colors from dark green to yellow-green, and occasionally bronze. Each needle is about 0.75 to 1.25 inches (2 to 3 cm) long. The texture is smooth and slightly glossy on the surface, with a prominent central vein running along its length. The needles are arranged spirally on the stem, creating a dense and attractive foliage.

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Stem Features

The stems of chinese yew are slender and grooved along the leaf bases, providing a unique textured appearance. They exhibit a brown to reddish-brown color, and typically measure between 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm) in diameter. Branching occurs at regular intervals, creating a bushy pattern. The bark is relatively smooth and thin, with finer grooves accentuating the leaf attachment points. This distinctive groove pattern is a key identifying feature for recognizing the stem of this plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of chinese yew is characterized by a distinct, fleshy red aril that is cup-shaped and envelops a single seed. This aril is soft textured and typically matures to a bright red color, offering a striking contrast to the dark green foliage. Measuring approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, the aril is not a true berry or drupe, but rather a modified conifer seed covering. Its unique appearance with a singular, exposed seed helps in easy identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Chinese yew and Their Similar Plants

Common yew vs. Chinese yew: What's The Difference?

Common yew (Taxus baccata) is a medium-sized evergreen tree. Every part of this tree is poisonous and consumption can result in death. Common yew is native to Europe, as well as parts of Africa, Iran, and southwest Asia. Historically, wood from this species was used to make English longbows - important weapons in medieval tactical warfare.

Japanese yew vs. Chinese yew: What's The Difference?

Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) is a yew tree species native to Japan, Korea, and China. Come in all sizes, the japanese yew yields bright red berries and has bright green leaves, making it a popular holiday decoration. This plant is toxic to humans. Birds such as waxwing, thrushes, and cardinals use the plant as shelter.

Canada yew vs. Chinese yew: What's The Difference?

Canada yew (Taxus canadensis) is a conifer tree native to northeastern North America. Canada yew produces poisonous toxins called taxanes. All parts of this plant are toxic.

Pacific yew vs. Chinese yew: What's The Difference?

Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) is an evergreen tree species native to the coastal regions of Western North America. Pacific yew has a history of usage by Native Americans, who regularly used the lumber to create bows and paddles. This tree grows very slowly and has an established pattern of rotting from the inside.

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Key Facts About Chinese yew

Attributes of Chinese yew

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

30 m

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Chinese yew

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis)

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Distribution Map of Chinese yew

Chinese yew is naturally found in the temperate regions of eastern Asia. Its native range extends broadly across this continent, thriving in various habitats within this major area. While chinese yew is endemic to these locales, it is also grown beyond its original distribution zones, indicating an expanded presence into other areas through cultivation and introduction.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Chinese yew

A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese yew How to Grow and Care for Chinese yew