The Tree

This tree is most commonly known merely as “Yew” and sometimes called “Western Yew” to distinguish it from another species found in Florida. It is slow growing, usually a small tree from 20 to 30 feet tall and 6 to 12 inches in diameter, although much larger trees are occasionally found. The bark is very thin, barely one-quarter inch thick, comparatively smooth and scaly. It is a dark brownish-red with an inner bark under the scales of a clear rose-red or purple-red in color. The leaves, resembling those of the redwood, are rather short, soft, a deep yellow-green on the upper surface and paler underneath. The Pacific Yew is frequently mistaken for a conifer. Aside from not being a cone bearer, the Pacific Yew differs from conifers in that male and female flowers are produced on different trees. The fruit consists of a small seed surrounded by a bright red or coral-red cupule, and is often eaten by birds.

Common Names in Use

• Pacific Yew (Calif., Oreg., Wash., lit.)
• Western Yew (Calif.)
• Yew (Calif., Idaho., Oreg.)
• Mountain Mahogany (Idaho, Wash., Oreg.)

Growth Range

The Pacific Yew is found from southern Alaska and British Columbia south to the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada of central California east to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Montana and Idaho.

The Wood

Yew wood is very hard and strong, dense, heavy, very fine and close-grained, and fine-textured. It has good bending qualities and is exceptionally durable. The heartwood is a bright orange or rose-red in color which turns dull upon exposure and a chocolate-tan when oil is applied, the oil apparently destroying the coloring pigment. The sapwood is thin and a light-cream-yellow in color. It may be worked satisfactorily with tools, and finishes smoothly in any style. It splits easily in nailing but holds nails and screws well. The plain sawed pieces have a very pleasing figure.

Uses

It is a fine wood for turnery projects. Its most important and valuable use is for archery bows, canoe paddles and small cabinet work. The tree is not abundant which limits the scope of its use.