Yew, Taxus baccata
The fruit is edible raw. Very sweet and gelatinous, most people find it delicious though some find it sickly. A number of people who like the flavour do not like the texture which is often described as being 'snotty'.
All other parts of this plant, including the seed, are highly poisonous. When eating the fruit you should spit out the large seed found in the fruit's centre.
The fruit is a fleshy berry about 10mm in diameter and containing a single seed.
Very tolerant of trimming, this plant makes an excellent hedge.
The plants are often used in topiary and even when fairly old, the trees can be cut back into old wood and will resprout.
A concoction of the leaves is used as an insecticide.
Wood - heavy, hard, durable, elastic, takes a good polish but requires long seasoning. Highly esteemed by cabinet makers, it is also used for bows, tool handles etc. It makes a good firewood.
The wood is burnt as an incense.