Treat yew as strict no-access landscaping. Remove pruning debris promptly and identify holiday greenery before bringing inside. Any suspected ingestion requires immediate veterinary evaluation.
Yew (Taxus species) is an evergreen shrub or small tree with flat dark needles and red berry-like arils, commonly planted as hedges and used in wreaths and holiday decorations. Most parts contain taxine alkaloids.
Leaves, seeds, and twigs are the main toxic parts. The red fleshy aril is less toxic but the hard seed inside is dangerous. Small amounts may cause severe cardiac effects.
Pruning clippings may be left on tarps or mixed with other hedge waste. Winter arrangements in entry halls place needles at nose level. Taxus clippings in municipal yard bags can be hard to identify.
