Yew (Taxus baccata)

This is a tree with a fascinating history and mythology, long associated with death and magic. It is highly toxic, but like many natural toxins it has been found to have important medical applications when in the hands of professionals; two chemotherapy drugs have been produced from the bark of this tree, which you can imagine must be handled with care. At my Forest School site, a large Yew provides shelter over our campfire circle - they have a dense, dark canopy year round, as it is an evergreen. It is associated with death, and yews are commonly found planted in graveyards across the UK, and especially in the south. Legends have it that the yew provides protection from evil forces. In English history, the yew enjoyed popularity as a material for bow-making. Slow-growing, it has a strong and finely grained wood that allows for good flexibility.

What it looks like

Yew is fairly easy to identify and difficult to mistake for other evergreens. The bark is scaly or papery and reddish brown, and often plays host to mosses and lichens. Needles are pointed, soft, short, and grow flatly from their central twigs, opposite each other like a feather. Needles are dark green on top and silver green below. Its small white flowers, in March and April, grow beneath the needles, typically on the underside, but can also cluster at the bases of the needles. It does not bear cones, instead producing brilliant red, tubular and fleshy ‘berries’ (arils) containing seeds.

Uses

Yew leaves, seeds and bark are all highly toxic and should not be consumed, nor should its wood be burnt or used to make cooking or eating implements, such as toasting skewers. Yews to provide and excellent natural shelter, being so heavily-canopied and with flexible branches that stand up to heavy winds well. The bright red fruits are not toxic, but avoid these as they are a favourite for blackbirds, and there is a risk of accidentally eating the toxic seeds inside. The wood is durable and very strong and good for making tool handles and for other applications.