Yew trees are a distinctive group of conifers often found in landscapes across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa, including many ancient churchyards. These long-lived evergreens, known for their dense, dark green foliage, have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other common trees. Understanding their specific characteristics can help in accurate identification.
Key Features of Yew Foliage and Bark
The needles are flat, linear, and dark green on their upper surface, with a slightly paler, sometimes yellowish-green, underside. These soft, flexible needles usually measure between 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length and are arranged spirally on the stem, yet they often appear to grow in two neat rows along the twigs. Unlike some other conifers, yew needles are soft to the touch and do not have a prominent central vein on their underside. New growth often emerges as a lighter green before darkening.
The bark is relatively thin and features a scaly texture, often peeling away in small flakes or strips. Its color ranges from reddish-brown to purplish-brown, and on mature trees, it may develop furrows and ridges. This distinctive peeling and coloration can create an attractive, variegated appearance on older trunks.
Identifying by Yew Arils
One of the most distinctive features of yew trees, particularly female specimens, is their unique reproductive structure known as an aril. These are not true berries or cones but rather bright red, fleshy, cup-shaped coverings that partially enclose a single, hard seed. The arils ripen in late summer or autumn, creating a striking contrast against the dark green foliage. Birds often consume the fleshy aril, aiding in seed dispersal, as the seed passes through their digestive system unharmed.
While the aril’s fleshy, sweet-tasting part is considered non-toxic, the seed contained within it, along with all other parts of the yew tree—including the foliage, bark, and wood—are highly poisonous. These parts contain taxine alkaloids, which can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Even a small amount of chewed yew foliage can have serious consequences due to these compounds.
Distinguishing Yew from Lookalikes
Hemlock trees (genus Tsuga) are often confused with yews due to their flat, short needles. Hemlock needles are typically shorter, measuring about 0.25 to 0.75 inches long, and feature two distinct white bands on their undersides. Hemlock trees also produce small, pendulous cones, a structure absent in yews, which instead develop arils.
Fir trees (genus Abies) are another group that can be mistaken for yews. Fir needles are flat and soft, similar to yew, but they often have a rounded tip and typically display two white lines on their undersides. A key difference lies in their cones: fir cones grow upright on branches and disintegrate as they mature, unlike the arils of yew. Fir bark is also generally smooth with resin blisters when young, distinct from the scaly, peeling bark of yew.
Spruce trees (genus Picea) can also be differentiated from yews by examining their needles closely. Spruce needles are typically four-sided, sharp to the touch, and grow all around the branch, rather than in flat rows. When a spruce needle is removed, a small woody peg remains on the branch, a characteristic not found on yew. Spruce trees produce flexible, downward-hanging cones, further setting them apart from yews.