Standard English Name(s): western yew
Local English Name(s) (if different from above): yew
Scientific Name(s): Taxus brevifolia Nutt.
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s): tuxhwuculhp
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s): tuxhwa'culhp
Island Halkomelem Name(s): tuxhwa'culhp

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
      Western yew is an evergreen shrub to small tree found in mature and old growth forests. The leaves are flat needles. The seeds are surrounded by bright red, fleshy structures called arils. Yew wood is heavy, tough and durable. Yew occurs from low to middle elevations throughout the coast.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The wood was used for bows.
Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     Yew wood was used for bows and paddles.

CAUTION: This species may be harmful. It contains a number of alkaloids, as well as an irritating volatile oil, and a cyanogenic glycoside. All parts of this tree are toxic except for the red, fleshy arils, which surround the seeds. Even one or two seeds, if consumed, could be fatal to a small child with death resulting from respiratory and heart failure.