How to identify Yews (Taxus)

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How to identify Yews (Taxus)

Yews are distinguished by their rather flat, glossy, dark green needles, which are arranged alternately along the branches. Each needle measures about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in length. Unique among many plants, yews produce striking red, fleshy structures, resembling berries, which envelop the seeds. These 'cones' may attract attention against the dense evergreen foliage. The woody plants themselves can take the form of shrubs or become sizeable trees.

Lifespan: Perennial

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Yews

Dark green, glossy needles measure 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in length.

Vibrant red, fleshy 'cones' resembling berries contrast with dense foliage.

Spirally arranged, linear leaves with yellow bands, 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.

Smooth, reddish-brown stems, 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm) in diameter.

Distinctive reddish-brown, scaly bark provides tactile diversity, 0.25-0.5 inches (6-13 mm) thick.

Detailed Traits of Yews

Leaf Features

The leaves of yews are alternately and spirally arranged, linear in shape, and subcoriaceous. They exhibit a dark green, glossy surface with an abruptly acute and pointed tip. The underside is paler green with two distinct yellowish-green bands. Typically, leaves measure around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Their sturdy texture and unique color pattern make them a key feature for identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Stem Features

The stems of yews are hairless, initially emerging as green. As they mature, they transition to a distinctive reddish-brown hue. These stems alternate in formation, ensuring a robust structure. The young stems display a smooth texture which becomes slightly rougher over time. They maintain a moderate thickness, typically ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm) in diameter. The branching pattern is fairly dense, providing substantial support to the overall plant structure.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of yews is highly distinctive and typically develops in autumn. Each fruit features a single seed that is enveloped by a fleshy, cup-shaped structure known as an aril, which becomes strikingly visible once it matures into a vibrant red color. This soft, berry-like aril contrasts sharply with the evergreen foliage, providing a noticeable splash of color. The texture is somewhat gelatinous and smooth. The aril's size is typically around 0.3 to 0.5 inches (8-12 mm) in diameter. Each fruit is usually found singularly nestled at the base of the plant's needle-like leaves.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Identify Yews easily and quickly

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