This species is has restricted extent of occurrence (EOO) of 24km[4] along the Apalachicola River and resides in the mesophytic forests of northern Florida at altitudes of 15–40 m. It is listed as critically endangered[1][5][6] and is protected in reserves at the Torreya State Park and at the Nature Conservancy's Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve.

[7] This article writes about the description and ecology of the Florida yew, as well as discusses the ongoing threats and conservation attempts.

It is an evergreen coniferous shrub or small tree growing to 6 m (rarely 10 m) tall, with a trunk up to 38 cm diameter.

The leaves are thin, flat, slightly falcate (sickle-shaped), 1–2.9 cm long and 1–2 mm broad, with a bluntly acute apex; they are arranged spirally on the shoots but twisted at the base to appear in two horizontal ranks on all except for erect lead shoots.

The pollen cones are globose, 4 mm diameter, produced on the undersides of the shoots in early spring.

[10] Taxus floridana grows slowly, and prefers slightly acidic, well drained soil[11] and partial shade.

[15] Selective logging as led to a decline in soil fertility and due to the sensitivity of this species, has caused poor recruitment levels.

Threats of habitat degradation and reduced regeneration capabilities are the most prominent issue, which have resulted in no new recruitment in the past few decades, greatly affecting population demographics.