20/10/2026
YEW TREE ☠️
So I have 4 Yew trees in my garden, 2 which are very high and unfortunately need a haircut. Some of the branches are going into next doors garden and there’s a power cable that goes through the middle.
Anyway I thought I give you some information about these mystical trees.
Taken from Google
Discover the Ancient Mystique of the Yew Tree in Churchyards
Yew trees (Taxus baccata) are special because of their extreme longevity, unique regenerative biology, historical use in medieval warfare, and potent medicinal properties.
Longevity and Regeneration
Ancient Age: Yew trees are among the oldest living organisms in Europe, with specimens like the Fortingall Yew in Scotland estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old.
Trees for Life
Self-Resurrection (Layering): If the main trunk of a yew dies or hollows out, new stems can root from the branches or inner core, effectively allowing the tree to regenerate itself indefinitely.
Extreme Toxicity
Poisonous Parts: Almost every part of the yew tree—including the needles, bark, wood, and seeds—is highly toxic to humans and livestock.
The Red Aril: The only non-toxic part is the fleshy, red, berry-like cup (aril) surrounding the seed, which birds can eat and pass safely without crushing the poisonous seed inside.
History and Warfare
Medieval Longbows: Yew wood has a unique combination of strength and elasticity—the sapwood handles tension well while the heartwood handles compression—making it the premier material for crafting medieval English longbows used in battles like Agincourt
Churchyards and Lore: Yews are frequently found in ancient British churchyards. They were planted near sacred sites or graves because their evergreen nature symbolized eternal life, resurrection, and protection against evil spirits.
Modern Medicine
Cancer Treatment: Yew bark and needles contain taxane alkaloids, which are used to synthesize paclitaxel (commonly known as Taxol), a vital and life-saving anti-cancer chemotherapy drug.
I feel very lucky to have these wonderful trees in my garden but I also wonder how old these trees are.
