Taxus canadensis aka Canadian Yew

Taxus canadensis is an evergreen shrub in the yew family. Its common names include Canada yew and ground hemlock. It grows wild in central and eastern North America. Its range reaches from Manitoba and Minnesota to the Atlantic coast. It extends south to Tennessee and the North Carolina mountains. This low shrub grows beneath trees in cool, moist sites.

In gardens, it grows 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres] tall. Its spread reaches 6–8 feet [1.8–2.4 metres]. North Carolina State says plants seldom exceed 5 feet [1.5 metres]. Growth is slow, with a loose shape and spreading stems. Stems can take root where they touch the soil. This lets the shrub form colonies and help hold stream banks. The bark is reddish brown but adds little garden interest. Young twigs start green or yellowish, then turn brown.

The dark green needles have sharp tips and pale undersides. They line up in two rows, giving branches a flat look. The lower leaf surface shows pale bands and a green midvein. Leaves stay on the plant through winter, when they may turn reddish brown. Small cones appear in March and April. Male and female cones may share one plant or grow separately. Male pollen sacs change from cream to tan. Each seed sits inside a fleshy cup called an aril. These cups turn bright red in mid- to late summer. Their open tips leave the single seed exposed.

This yew suits partial shade and can grow in deep shade. UConn also reports that it tolerates sun. It prefers moist soil that drains well. Sandy, slightly acid soil suits it, though loam and clay also support growth. Sources place its cold limit at USDA zone 2. North Carolina State lists garden use in zones 3–7. It tolerates pruning and transplants well from containers. Use it as groundcover or in groups beneath trees. It also suits native gardens, banks, and bonsai. Heat can trouble it, while exposed winds may yellow the leaves. Deer browse it. Insects and spider mites can cause damage, despite few serious insect problems reported by UConn.

The aril flesh is edible, but the seed is highly poisonous. All other plant parts are poisonous too. It poses risks to people, cats, dogs, and horses. PFAF records past medicinal use and taxol in shoots and bark. Those uses do not make this toxic shrub a home remedy. Its leaves can also yield a green dye.