THE SPECIES. 57 



seldom is higher than 2 or 3 feet. In some parts of the United States 

 the dwarf juniper attains tree form, 20 feet or more in height and a 

 diameter of several inches. 



In Montana this species occurs at altitudes from 3,000 to 6,000 

 feet or more, and is widely distributed through the mountainous 

 regions of the State. It is one of- the most widely distributed plants 

 of the northern hemisphere. It is found across the continent from 

 Greenland -to Alaska, and south to Pennsylvania and Nebraska, and 

 in the mountains to Texas and Arizona. It occurs also in Europe and 

 Asia. 



THE YEW. 



The yew (Taxus brevifolia) is not a conifer nor a member of the 

 pine family, but, as it is the most nearly allied to these in the Mon- 



FIG. 37. Western Yew. Branches showing fruits in various stages of development. July. 



tana flora, it will be mentioned here. It possesses certain features 

 which suggest the conifers, viz, the form of its leaves and its ever- 

 green habit. The leaves are alternately arranged, flat, sharp-pointed, 

 about three-fourths of an inch in length, and horizontally disposed. 

 The branches also have a strong tendency to form in flat sprays. 

 The fruit is distinctive. It consists of a single exposed seed, which 

 is partly enveloped by a fleshy collar (aril) which turns red when 

 mature. These fruits in all stages of development may be found on 

 the same branch. When ripe the aril is about a quarter of an inch 

 in diameter, round, and slightly flattened apically. 



