YEW

Also known as: Yewtree

Botanical Name: Taxus baccata

Origin: Europe, Asia, North Africa

Description: This slow growing and long lived tree has been cultivated in England and Ireland for many centuries and has historic interest as it was traditionally used in the making of bowstaves. Fine and generally uniform in texture, the creamy coloured sapwood is distinct from the darker yellow-brown to orange-brown heartwood. Particularly valued are logs with a good scattering of small black pips. Large, sound veneers of Yew are seldom seen and therefore it is mostly used for furniture. When logs of good quality and dimension are found, high prices will be paid. Occasional trees will produce a burr which, at its finest, will yield magnificent, highly decorative veneer that may vary from a heavy pip to a full all-over burr.