Yew
Taxus spp.
- Plant type
- shrub; tree
- Settings
- Landscaped and ornamental
- Risk
- High risk Our rating from the cited sources.
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photos
Planned.
How to tell it
Evergreen with flat, dark green needles in two rows, paler below; red fleshy cup around each seed (ARS, Merck).
Look-alikes: Planned.
What to do on a site walk
- Remove all trimmings.
- Fence off hedges.
- Skip the unit if yew can't be fenced.
Why it matters
- Toxic principle
- Taxine alkaloids
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, twigs, bark, seeds; green or dry
- Basis for our rating
- Chewgrass rating. ARS: foliage equal to about 0.5% of body weight is lethal to ruminants; sudden death is common.
Signs in goats
Often found dead. Trembling, staggering, labored breathing, collapse, heart failure (ARS).
If you think an animal has been poisoned, call your vet right away.
Season
Evergreen; hedge trimmings and yard waste cause most cases (ARS).
Sources
Links last checked: 2026-10-31