Yew

Profile

Family

Taxaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

15 m

Spread

10 m

Growth

very slow

Lifespan

5000 years

First yield

after 15 years

Hardiness

zone 5–7

Shade tolerance

full shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

5 – 8

Planned in gardens

3×

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit - eaten raw. It is very sweet and has a jelly-like consistency that many enjoy, although some may find it overly sweet. While some people appreciate the flavor, they may not like the slimy texture often compared to mucus. All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic. It is advised to spit out the large seed found at the fruit's center when consuming it. Swallowing the seed whole poses no danger, but if it is bitten into, a bitter taste will be noticed, and the seed should be immediately removed to avoid any issues. The fruit is a small berry, approximately 10 mm in size, containing a single seed. There are suggestions of using the peel as a tea alternative, but this is not recommended.

Medicinal: The yew plant is highly toxic and has been historically utilized for medicinal purposes, mainly for addressing chest issues. Recent studies have revealed the presence of "taxol" in the plant's shoots, showing potential as an anticancer medication, especially for ovarian cancer treatment. Despite its low taxol concentrations, the plant is utilized for research rather than commercial purposes. Caution is advised when using this treatment, and it should only be administered under medical supervision. Apart from the fleshy fruit, all parts of the plant possess medicinal properties like antispasmodic, cardiotonic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, narcotic, and laxative. Internally, the leaves have been traditionally used to alleviate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, hiccups, indigestion, rheumatism, and epilepsy. Externally, the leaves have been applied in steam baths for rheumatism treatment. A homeopathic remedy derived from the plant's young shoots and berries is employed in managing various ailments like cystitis, skin rashes, headaches, heart and kidney issues, and rheumatism.

Other uses: This plant is ideal for creating hedges due to its easy trimming nature. It can be pruned even when fully grown, with reports of very old trees regenerating well after pruning. The leaves can be brewed into a solution that acts as an insect repellent. Certain types can serve as ground cover if appropriately spread out. Its wood is known for being dense, tough, long-lasting, and flexible, making it a valuable material for carpentry, including crafting bows and tool grips. Additionally, it is favored as firewood and sometimes used as incense.

Growing

A tree that is easy to grow and can withstand various environmental conditions such as cold, heat, sun, shade, moist or dry soils, different levels of exposure, and varying pH levels. It thrives in well-drained soil, whether acidic or alkaline, and can adapt to heavy clay soils while being tolerant of shade and urban pollution. This hardy tree can endure temperatures as low as -25°C, although frost may damage fresh spring shoots. While typically dioecious, some trees may change sex, and both male and female trees are needed for fruit and seed production, with fruits mainly growing on the underside of one-year-old branches. Slow-growing and long-lived, this tree usually reaches a height of 4.5 meters in about 20 years, with young plants growing up to 30 cm per year initially but slowing down significantly after a century. There are numerous ornamental cultivars of this tree available. Resistant to honey fungus but vulnerable to Phytophthora root rot, this tree has soft bark that, if damaged by constant friction like that from children climbing it, can lead to branch or tree death. With few fibrous roots, it is best to plant them in their final positions while still small. The fruits of this tree are highly valued by thrushes.

Propagation

Seeds may have a slow germination process, often taking two years or more. It is recommended to plant them in autumn right after they mature, so they can sprout 18 months later. Stored seeds might also need two years or more to start growing. A stratification period of four months warm and four months cold can help speed up germination. Harvesting seeds when "green" and planting them immediately does not reduce germination time, as inhibiting factors develop too early. Once the seedlings are big enough, transfer them to individual pots and keep them in a cold frame. It usually takes at least two years of pot cultivation before they are ready to be planted outdoors, preferably in late spring or early summer after the last frost. Take cuttings from semi-mature terminal shoots, 5-8 cm long, in July/August in a shady area. They should root by the end of September; keep them in the frame during winter and plant them outside in late spring for a good yield. Cuttings from mature terminal shoots should be collected in winter after a harsh frost in a shady frame.

Notable

Special features: drought, wind, and pollutant-resistant; perfect hedge protection; height peaks at 90 years; formerly used as a medicinal plant, but due to its high toxicity, it was considered too dangerous, as better alternatives exist. The poison was once applied to arrowheads. Consecrated to the goddess of death by the Celts; the most powerful magic wands are made from yew.

Origin & habitat

Europe, from Scandinavia in the north to North Africa, the Caucasus, Iran, and the Himalayas in the south and east.

Dry hills and mountains in wooded areas and shrubbery.

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