The yew, a long-lived evergreen shrub or tree belonging to the genus Taxus, is a distinctive presence across the Northern Hemisphere. These plants are widely known in landscaping for their dense, dark-green foliage and tolerance for heavy pruning, making them a popular choice for hedges and sculpted topiary. Some individual trees have been estimated to be thousands of years old, establishing them as ancient sentinels in the landscape. This exceptional longevity has cemented the yew’s status as a symbol in various cultures, often associated with immortality and historical continuity.
Identifying the Foliage (Needles)
The foliage is one of the most reliable visual characteristics for identifying a yew. Yew leaves are not sharp, pointed needles like those found on pines or firs, but are instead soft, flat, and linear. These leaves typically measure between a half-inch and one-and-a-half inches long and are notably flexible to the touch.
The foliage is a rich, dark green on the upper surface, creating a dense appearance. The underside of the leaves is a paler green or sometimes a yellowish-green, featuring two faint, lighter-colored bands of stomata. While the leaves are technically arranged in a spiral pattern, a twist at the base of each leaf causes them to lie flat. This twisting makes the leaves appear arranged neatly in two distinct, horizontal rows on either side of the twig.
Trunk Structure and Bark Texture
Yews often present as large, dense shrubs or small to medium-sized trees, with mature specimens typically reaching heights of up to 65 feet. The growth habit tends to be irregular and multi-stemmed, particularly in older trees, which can develop a broad crown structure. Ancient yews are known for their ability to hollow out and send down aerial roots inside the trunk.
The bark of the yew is distinctly thin and has a scaly texture. Its color is a notable reddish-brown, often with purplish or orange tones, providing a visual contrast against the dark green needles. This thin outer layer frequently peels or flakes off in small, aligned strips, contributing to the rugged, textured appearance.
The Appearance of Yew “Berries” (Arils)
The most striking visual feature of a female yew is its reproductive structure, which is often mistakenly called a berry. This structure is botanically known as an aril, a fleshy, cup-shaped covering that develops around a single seed. Yew trees are dioecious, meaning male and female reproductive parts are found on separate plants; only female trees produce these conspicuous arils.
The aril is a bright, translucent scarlet-red when ripe, presenting a vivid contrast against the deep green foliage. Maturing in late summer or early fall, the aril is soft and gelatinous, resembling a small, open-ended cup. The single, hard, dark-brown ovoid seed sits partially exposed within the center of the cup, as the aril does not completely enclose it. This distinctive red flesh is a modified cone scale and is the primary visual element that draws attention to the tree.