Q.Why Are You Recommending Japanese Yew. It Is Highly Toxic And Kills Elk And Deer Every Year!
I recently read the article by Teo Spengler, “Hardy Perennials That Won’t Die in Winter” and was quite disturbed that she recommended a Japanese Yew species. These plants are highly toxic and are illegal to plant in many places because they kill wildlife such as deer, elk, and moose in a horrible fashion. They are also toxic to cats and dogs. The article I include the link for says they are ” known to be one of the most poisonous woody plants in the world, with all components of the tree, excepting the fleshy red part of the berry containing lethal amounts of taxine…” Please do better for our wildlife!! I would appreciate if you would forward this information to Ms Spengler so she will not recommend Yew in any future articles. https://extension.psu.edu/toxicity-of-yew-wood-and-roots
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Unfortunately, we cannot leave out species because of toxicity. We must be fair to other gardeners who DO wish to cultivate the plant in an area where it does not affect the native wildlife. If we were to remove any article pertaining to toxic species, it would be a very good portion of our information. Plants like foxglove, oleander, castor beans, Brugmansia, many crocus, and even Hydrangeas are considered toxic to fatal.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to research anything, thoroughly, before planting. Though the shrub may not be suitable for your area, they are suitable where there are no animals that naturally consume them. For example. in Northeast Asia, where it is native, it generally is disregarded by the animals since it has been learned to be avoided over time. With the exception of several bird species, which rely on these as a food source, it is largely ignored.
Ultimately, we cannot disregard certain plants because of toxicity. We must provide information for all parts of the world, and we do not focus on smaller general areas, usually, unless specified by the article.
We do have articles on their toxicity that can be found with a search, such as:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/yew/japanese-yew-plants.htm
