English Yew ( Taxus baccata )

Tree/Shrub, conifer evergreen, broad conical
Height : 1.2m to 6.15m included
Origin : Northern Africa, Southeast of Europe
Environment : in the shade of broadleaf forests; on calcareous soil
Climate : mild

Notes :
In spite of the name, the English Yew is a Southern European tree, which can also be found on the Northern coasts of Africa. It is so poisonous that the Romans called it the “death tree” and used it as decoration for the funerals. It is edible for horses and cows. It is an ancient species which dates back to the Tertiary Era. It has a long life (more than 1500 years). It is appreciated in urban decoration and topiary art because it endures pruning well.