American Yew
Taxus canadensis (TAKS-us ka-na-DEN-sis)
The Canada or American yew is a woody, needled evergreen shrub in the yew family (Taxaceae), native to central and eastern North America. It ranges from Manitoba, Minnesota, and Iowa eastward to the coast and south as far as Tennessee and the mountains of North Carolina. It has an open, sprawling habit and is sometimes referred to as ground-hemlock. The species epithet means "[found] in Canada." The plant grows in partial to deep shade, typically in moist, cool soil, where it may stabilize soils along streams, ponds and bogs. Where its low spreading stems touch the ground, they may root and colonies can be formed. It rarely grows over 5 feet tall, with a spread of 6 to 8 feet. Propagation is by stem cuttings, best done in fall or winter. The foliage may become reddish-brown in winter, and in summer, female plants produce red, berry-like cones. Use this shrub in mass plantings among trees in a wooded area, on a slope or bank or riparian area. It is also at home in a native, rain or winter garden. Of note, deer will browse this plant. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Confers like the American yew are occasionally damaged or killed by insects and spider mites. View the link, Pests of Conifers, in the sidebar to the left for details. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for " Trees, Shrubs and Conifers " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Taxus .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 52 attributes.