Canada Yew (aka. American Yew) Taxus canadensis
Family: Yew Family
Lake Memphremagog, VT August 2009
One thought on “Canada Yew”
Wonderful image of Taxus Canadensis. However, you note that the “berries” are poisonous. This isn’t totally accurate. The seed is surrounded by a fleshy, red aril. The aril is edible. It is soft, slightly sweet, and very enjoyable. The seeds should not be consumed (but they are not deadly poison–unless consumed in quantity). So, it is totally safe to place the aril in your mouth, spit out the seed, and swallow the aril (my two-year old daughter does without issue). Again, beautiful image. Best wishes.
Wonderful image of Taxus Canadensis. However, you note that the “berries” are poisonous. This isn’t totally accurate. The seed is surrounded by a fleshy, red aril. The aril is edible. It is soft, slightly sweet, and very enjoyable. The seeds should not be consumed (but they are not deadly poison–unless consumed in quantity). So, it is totally safe to place the aril in your mouth, spit out the seed, and swallow the aril (my two-year old daughter does without issue). Again, beautiful image. Best wishes.