About Yew Trees
Yew trees are a fascinating species of evergreen tree that have been revered by humans for thousands of years. Here are some interesting facts and figures about yew trees:
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Longevity: Yew trees are known for their longevity, with some specimens estimated to be over 2,000 years old. In fact, the oldest known yew tree in the world is thought to be the Fortingall Yew in Scotland, which is estimated to be between 2,000 and 5,000 years old.
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Toxicity: Yew trees contain a toxic compound called taxine, which can be deadly to humans and many animals if ingested. Despite this, the trees have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and extracts from the bark and leaves are still used in some cancer treatments today.
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Cultivation: Yew trees are cultivated for both their ornamental value and for their use in traditional medicine. They are also used in the production of taxol, a chemotherapy drug used to treat breast and ovarian cancer.
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Mythology: Yew trees have played an important role in mythology and folklore for centuries. In Celtic mythology, yew trees were considered sacred and were often associated with death and rebirth. The trees were also used in Druidic rituals, and many ancient yew trees are still found near ancient religious sites.
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Symbolism: Yew trees are often associated with death and mourning in Western culture, and are frequently found in cemeteries and churchyards. They are also seen as symbols of immortality and resilience, due to their long lifespan and ability to regenerate new growth from old wood.
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Growth: Yew trees are slow-growing, and can take many years to reach their full height. They are also relatively small, with most specimens reaching between 10 and 20 meters in height.
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Biodiversity: Yew trees support a wide range of biodiversity, providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species. The trees are particularly important for birds, which feed on the bright red berries produced by female trees.
In conclusion, yew trees are a fascinating and important species, with a rich history and many interesting facts. From their longevity and toxicity to their cultural and medicinal significance, yew trees continue to fascinate and inspire people all over the world.
Wildlife
Yew trees provide a variety of benefits for wildlife, making them an important species for ecosystem health and biodiversity. Here are some of the ways in which yew trees benefit wildlife:
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Berries: The bright red berries produced by female yew trees are an important food source for many birds, including thrushes, blackbirds, and waxwings. The berries are rich in nutrients, providing birds with the energy they need to survive the winter months.
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Nesting sites: Yew trees provide excellent nesting sites for many bird species, including finches, tits, and nuthatches. The dense foliage and thick branches of yew trees provide protection and shelter for nesting birds, helping to ensure the survival of their young.
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Insects: Yew trees provide habitat and food for a variety of insect species, including beetles, moths, and butterflies. These insects in turn provide food for other wildlife, such as birds and small mammals.
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Shelter: Yew trees provide shelter for a variety of wildlife species, including bats, hedgehogs, and small mammals. The dense foliage of yew trees provides protection from predators and harsh weather conditions, making them an important habitat feature in many ecosystems.
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Medicinal properties: While yew trees are toxic to many animals, including humans, some animals are able to consume the leaves and bark without ill effects. For example, the European yew is an important food source for roe deer, and may also have medicinal properties for these animals.
In conclusion, yew trees provide a wide range of benefits for wildlife, making them an important species for ecosystem health and biodiversity. From providing food and shelter to supporting a variety of insect and bird species, yew trees play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting the web of life.
Growing Conditions
Yew trees are adaptable and hardy evergreens that are able to grow in a variety of growing conditions. However, they do have specific requirements that must be met in order for them to thrive. Here are some of the growing conditions that are ideal for yew trees:
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Soil: Yew trees prefer well-drained, moist soils that are rich in organic matter. They are tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils and heavy clay soils. However, they do not tolerate waterlogged soils, so it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained.
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Light: Yew trees are shade-tolerant and can grow in full sun or partial shade. However, they do not tolerate deep shade, so it is important to ensure that they receive some sunlight throughout the day.
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Temperature: Yew trees are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, including cold winters and hot summers. However, they do not tolerate extreme heat or drought, so it is important to ensure that they receive adequate water during dry periods.
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Fertilizer: Yew trees do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they do benefit from the addition of organic matter to the soil. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil around the base of the tree can help to improve soil fertility and support healthy growth.
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Pruning: Yew trees respond well to pruning and can be shaped into a variety of forms, including hedges, topiary, and standards. Regular pruning can help to keep the tree in good health and encourage dense growth.
In conclusion, yew trees are adaptable and hardy evergreens that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. However, they do require well-drained, moist soils that are rich in organic matter, and benefit from regular pruning and the addition of organic matter to the soil. By providing these growing conditions, yew trees can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any landscape.
Pest & Disease
Yew trees are generally healthy and resistant to pests and diseases. However, there are a few issues that can affect their health and appearance. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect yew trees:
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Scale insects: Scale insects are small, sap-sucking insects that can infest the leaves and twigs of yew trees. They can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and a sticky substance called honeydew. In severe cases, they can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to other pests and diseases.
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Needle blight: Needle blight is a fungal disease that can cause yellowing, browning, and dropping of the needles on yew trees. It can also cause cankers and lesions on the branches and trunk. Needle blight is most common in wet and humid conditions and can be controlled through proper pruning and sanitation practices.
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Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can affect yew trees growing in poorly drained soils. It can cause wilting, yellowing, and dieback of the tree, and can ultimately lead to the death of the tree. Preventing root rot involves planting yew trees in well-drained soils and avoiding overwatering.
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Phytophthora: Phytophthora is a group of fungal diseases that can affect yew trees. It can cause yellowing, wilting, and dieback of the tree, as well as cankers and lesions on the branches and trunk. Preventing phytophthora involves planting yew trees in well-drained soils and avoiding overwatering.
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Deer browsing: Deer can cause damage to yew trees by browsing on the foliage and bark. This can lead to stunted growth, disfiguration, and even death of the tree. Protecting yew trees from deer browsing involves using physical barriers, such as fencing or netting, or applying repellents.
In conclusion, while yew trees are generally healthy and resistant to pests and diseases, they can be affected by a few common issues. By practicing good sanitation and cultural practices, such as proper pruning and planting in well-drained soils, and taking measures to protect yew trees from pests and browsing animals, such as deer, it is possible to maintain healthy and beautiful yew trees.
Mythology
The yew tree is planted in at least 500 church yards across England, most of these yew trees are older than the church itself. Some yew trees were thought to be planted on top of the graves of plague victims who had died to purify the dead. In religion yew trees have been worshipped directly or used as a place of worship by countless religions over thousands of years.
Yew trees symbolise immortality in some mythology and in others the drooping branches of old yew trees can root and form new trunks where they touch the ground. Thus the yew came to symbolise death and resurrection in Celtic culture.
The theme of resurrection continued into Christianity where people buried yew shoots with the deceased. Yew trees have been favoured by humans to stand in churchyards and cemeteries for thousands of years, in Fact there is no other tree that appears so frequently inside church grounds. Some of these old yew trees have been there before the churchyards have even been made and in some cases like the fortingall yew in Perthshire could exceed Christianity itself.
Mayo(Maigh Eo) in Ireland translates to Plains of Yew Trees, was the largest yew tree forest in the known world. The name may be older than the Celtic language, as the yew tree forest shows signs it was there before the last minor Ice age, with indications it was there even before the last major ice age, growing back each time.
Did you know?
The Fortingall Yew in Scotland is estimated to be between 2000 and 5000 years old, making it the oldest yew tree in the UK. Like many ancient yews, the Fortingall Yew has weathered many changes over its long lifetime. Its trunk may be hollow or split into multiple trunks, and fallen boughs create a maze of wood beneath its foliage. In some cases, branches may grow outwards and touch the ground, eventually taking root and forming new trunks.
It is impossible to determine the actual age of yew trees using the traditional ring counting method. This is because a fungus rots the inside of their trunks with age until they become hollow.
The oldest tree in our wild botanic garden in Wakehurst is a yew - it dates back to around 1391.
The very hard, close grained wood has been used in furniture making, but yew wood is best known for its use in medieval longbows.
How to identify English Yew Trees
Leaves - Straight, small needles with a pointed tip, coloured dark green above and green-grey below. They grow in two rows on either side of each twig.
Flowers - The yew is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow separately on different trees. Male flowers are white-yellow ball-like structures. Females flowers are green bud-like and scaly when young and turn brown like an acorn with age.
Fruits - The yew tree is classed as a conifer but unlike its other coniferous friends yew trees produce their seeds encapsulated inside berries instead of cones. The berry is a red-fleshy structure with a small opening at the bottom. These berries are edible but the seed inside is poisonous.
Oldest yew In The World
Age - Estimated at 2000 to 9000 years old
Location - Scotland
Species -Taxus Baccata
The oldest yew tree in the uk is the fortingall yew in scotland, which is estimated between 2000 and 9000 years old. Ancient yews such as the fortingall yew have been through alot in their lifetime meaning it has hollow or multiple trunks and fallen boughs make a maze of wood beneath the foliage. Sometimes growing branches that extend out and touch the floor, rooting again through that branch.
