The yew - Taxus baccata

The yew is a native tree and is found in old woodlands but more commonly in the artificial surroundings of demesnes and graveyards. An evergreen, the yew is a dramatic tree with its dark foliage and red berries which encase a single seed. The foliage is poisonous to livestock but not to deer. The seeds are also toxic, although the red casing is not. This explains why it is so often seen in churchyards, where there are no animals. The common yew (inset picture) is generally a round-headed tree when it has room to spread, whereas the Irish yew, Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata' (main picture), has a much more upright, conical form. The Irish yew was a chance mutation which was discovered growing on rocky limestone hills in Co Fermanagh and was subsequently cultivated in the nearby Florencecourt estate.

The Yew does not require a rich soil but likes a well drained, sheltered and frost-free site. Ireland's oldest yews are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. The yews at Fortinghall, Scotland are reputed to be the oldest trees in Europe. The yew wood at Muckross, Co Kerry is our only surviving example and one of the few yew woods in Europe. Taxol an ingredient found in the yew is currently being tested as a cure for certain cancers. Yew appears in many Irish placenames: Co Mayo is the plain of the yew, Newry, Terenure and Youghal are further examples.

Its timber is reddish brown and is dense and durable; it is prized for high-quality furniture and craftwork. In earlier times it was used in archery but nowadays it wouldn't be a good new business idea! Ireland's tallest yew is 26 metres. More information at www.treecouncil.ie

John McLoughlin, The Tree Council of Ireland