A small, evergreen, coniferous tree or shrub of the genus Taxus (family Taxaceae) with soft, pointed leaves, spherical male cones, and female cones containing one seed enclosed in a scarlet to orange, sweet-tasting aril. All parts of the plant are highly poisonous except for the aril but including the seed. There are seven species occurring mainly in northern temperate regions, but also in Mexico and south-eastern Asia. Traditionally, the timber was used to make longbows, and yews are often planted for ornament, especially topiary.