What are some interesting facts about yew trees?
Yew facts and figures the seed and every part of the tree other than the seed cap is poisonous to people and cattle, but not deer or rabbits. Yew can cause severe stomach problems. It can also cause the heart rate to slow down or speed up dangerously. Signs of poisoning might include nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, nervousness, heart problems, and many others. Death has occurred after taking 50-100 grams of yew needles.Collecting. The only edible part of a Yew is the aril or ‘berry’ flesh, the small stone in the middle is toxic and must not be chewed or swallowed. The flesh comes away from the seed easily and is best done in the mouth as long as you remember to spit out the seed!There is no need to worry about cutting or just touching the yew tree, as the toxin is mainly released when the plant is ingested orally and when the plant parts are chewed in the body.While the entire yew hedge or tree is considered to be poisonous, the berries and more specifically, the seeds of the plant are recorded to contain the highest concentration levels of taxine. Initial symptoms of yew poisoning can include: nausea and vomiting.
What are yew trees used for?
In the Middle Ages, yew wood was used to make longbows and crossbows. Today, this wood is used in gates, furniture, parquet floors and panelling. It is also used for carving and wood turning. The themes of death and resurrection continued into the Christian era. People buried yew shoots with the deceased, and used boughs of yew as ‘Palms’ in church at Easter. Yew trees have established a popular association with old churches in Britain.Trees and the yew in particular symbolised nature’s power of renewal, the cycle of seasons, birth and death and new birth. As time passed the yew remained a symbol of eternity in Christianity. The words and focus changed from ‘rebirth’ to ‘resurrection’.Yew trees were planted in graveyards as they thrived on corpses and were then readily available to make excellent bows. Yew trees were planted in churchyards to prevent archers from procuring suitable branches for making bows and thus having good weapons to oppose the King’s men.They are some of the oldest living species in Europe, with some trees thought to be over 2000 years old. Yews have a deep-rooted history and sacred ties which is why you find the magnificent ancient trees growing in churchyards. The yew tree’s presence in churchyards has earned it the nickname ‘tree of the dead’.For the Celts, the yew symbolized immortality. Because the early Christians often built their churches over the top of pagan sites, yews began to be associated with Christian beliefs too, specifically the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, since the same tree can be reborn from a new shoot.
What are the magical properties of a yew tree?
In Celtic lore, the yew tree symbolizes death and resurrection and is used in rituals linked to magic, fertility and power. The yew is surrounded by various myths; Romans believed it grew in hell, and in Spain, people placed yew branches on windows for lightning protection. Julius Caesar observed that Druids, ancient Celtic priests, considered the yew tree a sacred symbol of immortality.Celts believed yew twigs held healing powers and preserved the dead. Later, Christians adopted the yew as a symbol of renewal, integrating it into Easter traditions and Yew Tree Folklore. Yew twigs were often buried with the dead for various reasons, including protection against the black plague.Yew trees were planted in churchyards partly because they were more protected there from archers who liked to cut off branches to make arrows. Also yews are poisonous to many animals so the planting of yew trees effectively prevented farmers using the churchyard as grazing land.Katerina Evans Yes, certain traditions do state it is bad luck. However, it’s seems other traditional held it customary to use Yew as decoration for its protective qualities. Also, Yew trees made the best bows, so they definitely were cut down in large swathes during the Middle Ages!
What is yew known for?
The yew is one of the longest-lived native species in Europe. This has made it a symbol of death and doom, but it provides food and shelter for woodland animals. Yew hedges offer protection and nesting opportunities for birds. Although poisoning in this clinical setting is unlikely due to close dose monitoring, ingestion of yew tree leaves, either deliberately or accidentally, is a serious and potentially fatal cause of poisoning.All parts of the yew plant are considered poisonous. Yew can cause severe stomach problems. It can also cause the heart rate to slow down or speed up dangerously. Signs of poisoning might include nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, nervousness, heart problems, and many others.Yew trees, including the Japanese and English Yew, contain toxins called taxines. If your dog consumes any part of these plants, symptoms include trembling, difficulty breathing, seizures and other serious health issues.All parts of yew are toxic, except the berry-like fruits (although the seeds inside them are highly poisonous). So to be on the safe side, wear gloves when handling hedge clippings, taking cuttings or sowing seeds.
What drug is made from yew?
The drug Taxol (chemical name: paclitaxel) is made from the bark of Pacific yew trees. The drug Taxotere (chemical name: docetaxel) is made from the needles of European yew trees. Historically, Native Americans used Yew to treat ailments like rheumatism, fever, and even arthritis. The Japanese used Yew leaves for things like diabetes and to induce abortions. Paclitaxel and docetaxel are drugs derived from the Pacific and the English Yew, and they are very effective against many types of cancer.Plant uses Pacific yew bark is the source of paclitaxel, a medicine used to treat lung, breast and ovarian cancer. Many Native American and First Nation peoples would use Pacific yew bark in traditional medicines.Historically, Native Americans used Yew to treat ailments like rheumatism, fever, and even arthritis. The Japanese used Yew leaves for things like diabetes and to induce abortions. Paclitaxel and docetaxel are drugs derived from the Pacific and the English Yew, and they are very effective against many types of cancer.Plant uses Pacific yew bark is the source of paclitaxel, a medicine used to treat lung, breast and ovarian cancer. Many Native American and First Nation peoples would use Pacific yew bark in traditional medicines.
Is yew poisonous to burn?
Uses. Yew leaves, seeds and bark are all highly toxic and should not be consumed, nor should its wood be burnt or used to make cooking or eating implements, such as toasting skewers. Yews to provide and excellent natural shelter, being so heavily-canopied and with flexible branches that stand up to heavy winds well. As Yew grows at a fast rate of 20cm – 40cm per year, maintenance will be needed. Trimming Yew hedging in summer (when nesting season is over) and early autumn will help to keep the hedge in good shape.Yew tree wood is very heavy, strong and elastic, ideal as wood for turning and carving; also very resistant to moisture. There are no traces of resin in the wood or bark. The edges of the annual rings are easy to see, which makes the wood very special.Grow yew in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to full shade. Water well as the plant establishes and then you shouldn’t need to water again – yews do best in slightly drier soils as they can succumb to root rot in damper conditions. Trim established hedges in summer.If your yew hedge has become too large, it is best to prune it gradually over three years in mid-spring: In the first year, cut the top back to at least 15cm (6in) lower than the final desired height.Yews are slow-growing trees, so cutting back too hard can send the plant into shock. This will slow new growth and leave it susceptible to pests and diseases. Never cut back more than a third of the total length of the branches.