Paclitaxel was originally derived from the Pacific yew tree. Originally derived from the Pacific yew tree, they are now synthesized artificially. Paclitaxel was identified from Pacific yew tree "Taxus brevifolia". Taxol was first isolated in 1973 from barks of a coniferous tree, the Pacific Yew. Engelmann spruce, Brewer spruce, mountain hemlock, Douglas-fir, incense-cedar, common juniper, and Pacific yew. The smaller Pacific yew is scattered in the understorey. Pacific yew is shade tolerant; however it can also grow in sun. The understory contains plants such as Pacific yew, Pacific madrone, chinquapin, and vine maple.