Taxus baccata - European yew

English Yew
Taxus baccata
Family: Cupressaceae

This tree possesses significant importance and history of use in the western world. It was an early weapon of war in the longbow and has an ancient use as a poison to die rather than surrender on the battlefield. Medicinally, its first known use was as a cardiac remedy in 1021 A.D. and now leaf extracts are utilized in chemotherapy drugs.