English Yew Taxus baccata 'Icicle'

Names

• Family

  Taxaceae.

• Synonyms

  Icicle Yew, English Yew 'Icicle'.

• Common names

  Taxus baccata 'Icicle'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Yew, specifically Taxus baccata 'Icicle', is highly toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, with the exception of the flesh of the berry. The most potent compound found within yew is taxine, a mixture of alkaloids which can cause a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) or can slow it down (bradycardia) leading to cardiac arrest. Symptoms of yew poisoning may include dizziness, dry mouth, dilated pupils, weakness, and an irregular heartbeat. Ingesting any parts of the plant can potentially lead to convulsions, coma, and even death due to cardiac failure. Extreme caution should be taken to ensure that no parts of the plant are consumed.

• To pets

  Yew, specifically Taxus baccata 'Icicle', is also highly toxic to pets. The plant contains alkaloids such as taxine which can interfere with the heart's function. Symptoms of yew poisoning in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, lethargy, seizures, and potentially life-threatening changes in heart rate. Consuming even a small amount of any part of the plant (except the berry flesh) can result in acute cardiac failure and death. Immediate veterinary attention is required if a pet ingests any part of a yew plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Height

  6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)

• Spread

  3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  6-7

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Appeal: Taxus baccata 'Icicle', commonly known as the English Yew, has a distinctive narrow upright form with bright green foliage that provides visual interest and contrast in the landscape.
• Evergreen Nature: The English Yew retains its foliage throughout the year, providing continuous color and structure in gardens even during the colder months.
• Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscaping.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, the English Yew can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for constant watering.
• Shade Tolerance: It is capable of growing well in shaded areas, where other plants might struggle, making it versatile for different garden locations.
• Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.
• Privacy Screen: Due to its dense growth habit, the English Yew can serve as an effective natural privacy barrier or hedge.
• Soil Adaptability: The plant can adapt to a range of soil types, provided the soil is well-drained.
• Longevity: English Yews are known for their long lifespan, often living for hundreds of years, which can add a sense of permanence and history to a garden.

Medical Properties

• Paclitaxel production: The European yew's bark, needles, and twigs contain precursors for the drug paclitaxel (common name: Taxol), which is used in the treatment of various cancers, such as ovarian and breast cancer.
• Antitumor activity: Extracts from the yew have been researched for their potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells due to naturally occurring compounds known as taxanes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Woodturning: The dense, fine grain of Yew wood makes it suitable for woodturning projects, such as creating decorative bowls or intricate wooden art pieces.
• Furniture Making: Due to its durability and attractive appearance, Yew wood is often used in crafting high-quality furniture items like cabinets and tables.
• Veneer Production: Yew wood can be sliced into thin decorative veneers used in marquetry and paneling, providing a rich and decorative finish to various surfaces.
• Garden Design: With its slow growth and tolerance to pruning, Taxus baccata 'Icicle' can be shaped into topiaries or hedges to structure and enhance a garden's aesthetic.
• Dye Production: The bark of the Yew can be processed to extract tannins, which were traditionally used to create dyes for textiles.
• Archery Bow Making: Historically, Yew wood's balance between flexibility and strength made it an ideal material for crafting traditional longbows.
• Folklore and Tradition: Due to its longstanding presence and symbolic value, Yew is sometimes incorporated into cultural ceremonies or planted in sacred places.
• Tool Handles: The strength of Yew wood is well-suited for making durable handles for various hand tools, including chisels and hammers.
• Musical Instruments: The resonant properties of Yew allow for its use in making parts of musical instruments, such as the bodies of certain string instruments.
• Wildlife Support: The dense foliage of the Yew can provide shelter and breeding spaces for birds, and the berries are a source of food for certain bird species, though they are toxic to humans.

Feng Shui

The English Yew is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The English Yew is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Immortality: Commonly known as the European Yew, Taxus baccata 'Icicle' is symbolic of immortality due to its long lifespan and evergreen nature, suggesting an enduring existence beyond the mortal realm.
• Resurrection: The yew tree is often associated with resurrection or the cycle of life and death because it can easily regenerate by sprouting from cut branches and stumps.
• Protection: In ancient times, the European Yew was thought to ward off evil and was frequently planted in churchyards and sacred grounds, denoting a symbolism of protection and sanctity.
• Transcendence: Its capacity to thrive for centuries gives it a symbolic connection to the transcendence of the spiritual over the corporeal, as it seemingly surpasses temporal boundaries.
• Mystery: The yew tree carries a mystic aura, partially because of its toxic properties and its association with old pagan rituals, thus symbolizing mystery and the unknown.