Yew is one of the oldest and most distinctive trees in England. A native evergreen conifer, it is famous for its long life, dense dark-green foliage and bright red berry-like fruits.
Found in ancient woodlands, churchyards and parks, yew has played an important role in history, wildlife and culture for centuries. Discover how to identify a yew tree, learn about its uses and explore its importance for nature.
Yew tree facts and figures
- Round and densely branched, yew (Taxus baccata) grows to around 15 metres tall and lives for hundreds of years.
- The seed and every part of the tree other than the seed cap are poisonous to people.
- Ancient yew trees are common in churchyards, with some thought to be thousands of years old.
- Yew thrives in shade much better than most other native tree species.
How to identify a yew tree
Heading out into the forest? Here are the top things to look for.
- Bark: light brown, thin and scaly, becoming deeply furrowed with age and breaking away in long scales.
- Seeds: housed in bright red berry-like cases, known as arils.
- Needles: dark green, straight with pointed tips, arranged in two rows along the twig.
- Shape: dense, bushy evergreen crown with spreading branches.
- Winter appearance: remains green all year round, with no dropping of needles.
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Did you know? Almost the entire yew tree is poisonous - only the red aril around the seed is safe. Many birds, however, can eat the fruits and pass the seeds without being harmed. This helps the tree spread naturally.
Yew trees and wildlife
As an evergreen tree, yew provides year-round shelter for birds and small mammals. Its dense foliage also provides a perfect nesting habitat.
Mighty, old yews support the lichens, fungi and invertebrates found in ancient woodlands.
Yew and future forestry
Although yew is not widely grown for timber due to its slow growth rate, it's still an important species in woodland conservation. Its ability to tolerate shade well allows it to thrive, contributing to structural diversity in our woodlands.
How yew is used
Yew is a slow-growing softwood that is very strong. The longbow, which played an important role in medieval warfare, was traditionally made from yew wood because of its strength and flexibility.
Today yew wood is made into quality veneers for wood panelling, car dashboards and furniture. Yew compounds are also used in some modern medicines, including chemotherapy drugs for treating cancer.
Yew is also a popular garden tree because it can withstand unlimited clipping and shaping, making it a good choice for ornamental planting and hedge use.
Frequently asked questions about yew trees
Check for these things:
- bark: light brown, thin and scaly and becoming twisted and furrowed with age.
- seed: inside red berry-like cases (arils).
- needles: dark green, straight with pointed tips, arranged in two rows along the twig.
- shape: dense evergreen crown with spreading branches.
- winter appearance: green all year round, with no dropping of needles.
It is common for Yew trees to live for hundreds of years, with many reaching 1,000 years old and beyond. Many ancient yew trees found in graveyards are likely older than the churches themselves.
No, the seeds from yew trees are poisonous. Every part of the tree other than the red aril around the seed are toxic, and you shouldn't eat them or let any pets or animals do so either.
Yes, yew is one of three conifers native to Britain. The other two are Scots pine and juniper. Unlike other conifers, yews don't produce cones - their seeds appear as red berry-like fruits.
