Fruits of European Yew

European Yew (Taxus baccata) is a slow growing and long-lived coniferous shrub or a tree depending on habitat conditions. The trees can reach height up to 15 meters. They grow on rocky slopes and shaded mountain forests. In the Tatras, European yew can be found up to the elevation of 1300 meters. Taxus baccata is poisonous. The only non-poisonous part of this plant is a red, berry-like structure surrounding the seed (called aril). Branches of yew are very flexible and were used for making arrows in the past. Taxus baccata has been under protection in Poland since 1423. There are several nature preserves containing large yew forests. One of them is located on the slopes of Mount Cergowa in the Low Beskid. The Low Beskid - August 2007.