How much sun does Pacific yew need?

Pacific yew grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Pacific yew bloom?

Pacific yew blooms in March and April.

Where is Pacific yew native?

Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Pacific yew toxic to dogs?

Yes. Pacific yew is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Pacific yew toxic to cats?

Yes. Pacific yew is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Pacific yew

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Taxus brevifolia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Pacific yew is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

240"–600" H × 180"–300" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts

A slow-growing, shade-tolerant conifer with flat, dark green needles and a graceful, often irregular form, producing small red fleshy cups around each seed on female trees. All other plant parts are toxic if ingested.

Wildlife value

The red fleshy arils are eaten by birds, which help disperse the seeds, though the needles and seed itself are toxic to most animals.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific yew need?: Pacific yew grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Pacific yew bloom?: Pacific yew blooms in March and April.
Where is Pacific yew native?: Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Pacific yew toxic to dogs?: Yes. Pacific yew is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Pacific yew toxic to cats?: Yes. Pacific yew is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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