Yew (tree)

Yew is a coniferous tree belonging to the genus Taxus, known for its dark green, needle-like leaves and distinctive red capsules called arils that surround its seeds. It is notable for its long lifespan, often living for hundreds to thousands of years, and its slow growth. Yew trees are commonly found in temperate regions and are often used in landscaping, hedges, and as ornamental plants due to their dense foliage. Historically, parts of the yew tree have been used to produce the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, but handling them requires caution because many parts are toxic to humans and animals.