Species library · Plants & herbs

European Yew: deadly poisonous

Taxus baccata

☠ Deadly poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

European Yew is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from September to November in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Deadly poisonous
European Yew (Taxus baccata)

Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · iNaturalist

When European Yew appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

European Yew is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows.

⚠ Look-alikes

Look up European Yew in the app

In the Forage app, European Yew has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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European Yew: common questions

Is European Yew poisonous?

Yes. European Yew is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does European Yew appear?

European Yew usually appears from September to November in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does European Yew grow?

European Yew is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows.

What can European Yew be confused with?

Deadly look-alikes: Japanese yew, European holly, European silver fir. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by an expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits