Ecological factors affecting regeneration of English Yew (Taxus baccata L.) in Central Italy

Abstract

Taxus baccata L. covers a wide distribution in Europe, being present in Italy mainly in small, scattered populations occurring more frequently in the belt of the beeches and along north-facing slopes. Commonly it is accepted a status of decline for the species, ascribed to different causes such as seed predation or limited germination of seeds. In order to identify the most important actions that could provide a more abundant regeneration for the species, the most important ecological limiting factors in Central Italy have been researched under a wide range of ecological conditions. Investigated relations between regeneration and physical or morphological features of sites, silvicultural system, structural and parametric wood features, as well as the effects of light exposure on mature trees, showed the strong competition for light from taller species, especially beech, as an important limiting factor suggesting positive effects from cuttings.