It's So Yew!

Day 157: It's so Yew! Taxus brevifolia, that is. This native shrub, known commonly as either Pacific Yew or Western Yew is dioecious in nature, which is to say that any given plant is either male or female. Pollen is produced by males; berries and seeds by females. Although the berries and seeds are poisonous, Pacific Yew is best known as the original source for the anti-cancer drug taxol. However, due to the relative scarcity of the tree, taxol is now produced synthetically. The needles somewhat resemble those of Western Hemlock, but the characteristic red heartwood gives Yew away. It can be seen where bits of the grey bark have been shed. Berries are red and round. Seed dispersal is performed primarily by birds, but Yew is also known to propagate by taking root where branches touch the ground (self-layering).