Trunks have a height of about 6-10m, and trees up to 20m tall. with a diameter at breast height of 0.5 to 1.0m. Taxus can grow very old.

The color of the heartwood is orange-brown to dark purple-brown. The yellowish-white sapwood is narrow and clearly distinguishable from the heartwood. The growth rings are very narrow, conspicuous by the wide dark-colored autumn wood. Taxus is highly decorative and is among the heaviest coniferous species. 

Due to its low supply, Taxus is mainly used for luxury objects, turnery and decorative applications. Fine veneers can be cut from Taxus that are used for furniture.