Pine Needles

Missouri Poison Center

Traditional / reference

Abstract

Poison-control identification guide: warns to beware of a toxic pine look-alike, the yew tree or English yew (Taxus species), which contains toxic taxines in all parts. Unlike pine, yew needles are softer, flatter and arranged in two rows along the twig; yews bear red fleshy single-seeded berries rather than woody cones and lack the characteristic pine scent; any yew ingestion may cause serious illness. Anchors the pine-versus-yew confusion and the needle/berry/scent distinguishing tests.

How to cite

Missouri Poison Center 'Pine Needles'. Available at: https://missouripoisoncenter.org/is-this-a-poison/pine-needles/

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