Yew is a small genus of about eight species scattered across North America, Europe, and Asia. Although it's grouped with the conifers because it has needle-like foliage, its fruit is not a cone. Instead, it's an aril--a large, single seed surrounded by a soft, fleshy, bright red pulp. Although they look inviting, DON'T TASTE THEM, for they are highly poisonous. All yews contain a natural chemical called taxol, which is very promising in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Only one yew, Pacific yew, is native to the Pacific Northwest. However, English yew is commonly planted in lawns and gardens for ornamental purposes.
For more information on the yew native to the Pacific Northwest, go to the species page or see p. 56 of "Trees to Know in Oregon".