=Description=: The yew, also known as English, Irish, and American yew, is an evergreen tree or shrub often used as a hedge and found growing in many gardens or as a decorative plant around homes. Its fruits are bright red fleshy “berries” borne on the twigs and they frequently attract children. A large hole sometimes appearing in their ends gives an appearance of a deep red cup. =Poisonous Parts=: All parts of the yew are poisonous. Fortunately the red fruits are the least harmful, although if large quantities are consumed these too can cause harm. Poisoning may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, circulatory failure, and difficulty in breathing. The poisonous principle includes =taxine=, an alkaloid which depresses the heart function. =Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for circulatory failure and alkaloid poisoning. POISON CONTROL CENTERS IN NEW ENGLAND =============================================================== City Address Telephone =============================================================== CONNECTICUT Bridgeport Bridgeport Hospital, EDison 4-0131. 267 Grant Street. St. Vincent’s Hospital, FOrest 6-3601. 2820 Main Street. Danbury Danbury Hospital, 744-2300. 95 Locust Avenue. Hartford St. Francis Hospital, 249-8281. 114 Woodland Street. State Department of Health,[1] 527-6341, ext. 456. State Office Building. Middletown Middlesex Memorial Hospital, DIamond 7-2531. 28 Crescent Street. New Britain New Britain General Hospital, BAldwin 3-2761. 92 Grand Street. New Haven Hospital of St. Raphael, SPruce 7-6581. 1450 Chapel Street. Norwalk Norwalk Hospital, 838-3611, ext. 294. 24 Stevens Street. Stamford Stamford Hospital, 327-1234. 190 West Broad Street. Waterbury St. Mary’s Hospital, 756-8351. 56 Franklin Street. MAINE Togus Veterans Administration MAyfair 3-8411. Center[2] MASSACHUSETTS