Unlike the lime-loving true scabious, this grows in damp woodland or sometimes moorland on acid or neutral soils, and has simple rather than pinnately lobed leaves. These were growing on a trackside in woodland, but they are common on all kinds of waste ground, rough hillsides etc. At this time of year the fleshy red arils covering the yew's seeds are very conspicuous, but only on some trees as the male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Yews are native to Ryedale, but most of those we see have been planted. Yew is very poisonous, so it is rarely seen on farmland where stock might be able to reach it.
Interestingly birds seem to be able to eat the seeds without harm.
This example is a late specimen of the so-called Common St. Johnswort, growing on the edge of a fairly dry woodland ride. Its alternative name alludes to the many translucent spots on the leaves, which look like perforations or holes when held up to the light. It has two raised lines on the main stem, which help to separate it from other common species. Centaury , Centaurium erythraea Centaury is a member of the gentian family, but has flowers of a clear pink rather than blue. It is common but patchy, growing along the edges of dry, often sandy woodland paths and tracks.