PSC 2620: Woody Trees and ShrubCourse HomeStudy Materials

Taxus Species Comparisons


This page is intended to help you become more familiar with the different Taxus species. Here you can quickly compare the different species to better learn the distinguishing characteristics of each.
Leaf
Taxus baccata - The needles are arranged in two ranks in the shade and radially in the sun. They are 1/2 - 1 1/4 inch long. Image: Luis Fernandez Garcia Taxus cuspidata - The needles of Taxus cuspidata are 1/2 - 1 inch long and radiate irregularly around the stem. The tip of the leaf has as a distinct point.
Taxus x media - The leaves are dark green in color and arranged in two ranks along the stem.

Fruit
Taxus baccata - The fruit is a single olive-colored seed encased within a fleshy red coating. Taxus cuspidata - The fruit is a single olive-colored seed encased within a fleshy red coating. Image: Kurt Stueber
Taxus x media - The fruit is similar to the other Taxus species, but it is more uniformly globose.

Form
Taxus baccata - It is a tall tree, reaching 30-60 feet high and 20-25 feet wide. The form is variable, and can be upright or spreading. Image: Wikipedia.org Taxus cuspidata - It is a small to medium tree, or large shrub. It grows 10-40 feet high, with a wider spread. It has a great deal of variation in the form, and can be upright or spreading.
Taxus x media - It is smaller than cuspidata or baccata, and is usually a true shrub form.