Common yew

A coniferous tree that can reach 28 m in height, but often develops as a shrub or small tree with grey-brown bark. In Bulgaria the species inhabits almost all mountain areas, but occurs as individuals or in small groups. The colour of the leaves is a dark green, they are elongated, flat and soft. They are located symmetrically on both sides of the branches.

The Common Yew is highly toxic because it contains the alkaloids taxine and glycosides taxicatin. Only the red fleshy coat of the seeds is not poisonous. It is juicy and sweet, serving as food for birds, with whose help the seeds spread. This species is commonly used as an ornamental tree since ancient times in Europe and Asia. Today its dark-green crown can be seen in gardens on all continents and in many of the most representative parks worldwide.