*Yew

*Taxus sp.
YEW
Taxaceae

Location: map coordinates Q-9 (north side of Baker Building, next to oval window), N 39°11'9'' W 75°32'45''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:

evergreen shrub or small tree
etymology: Taxus = the Latin name
leaves flat, short needle-like, relatively small
mostly dioecious (separate male and female plants)
male cones inconspicuous (on male plants)
female cones modified, red berry-like; the single black seed is mostly covered by the soft, bright red, fleshy, berry-like aril (on female plants)
most parts of plant very poisonous; contain toxic taxanes
source of important anti-cancer medicines; paclitaxel (taxol), originally used to treat ovarian and lung cancer, originally came from the Pacific yew
used to symbolize resurrection in graveyards, beginning with ancient Celts
wood tough; used to make longbows

*Non-native species (not native to Delaware)