Reported herein are methods for obtaining stably transformed callus in Taxus media `Hicksii`, including particularly methods that involve using needles, stem, or bark peel as explant material for transformation. Also provided are descriptions of several promoter activities in directing reporter gene expression in Taxus media cells, in particular cells in suspension cultures, callus and needles. Transgenic plants (e.g., Taxus plants), plant cells, cell lines, and tissues (including seeds) are also provided, in particular those that express one or more enzymes in a paclitaxel biosynthesis pathway.