Yew (English or Pacific)
Taxus baccata or Taxus brevifolia · Softwood
- Type
- Softwood
- Origin
- Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia (T. baccata) or Pacific Northwest of North America (T. brevifolia).
- Hardness
- 1,520 lbf (Hard) - exceptionally hard for a softwood, exceeding many hardwoods like White Oak.
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay; moderate resistance to insects.
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Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular due to small knots and growth ring fluctuations. Extremely fine, even texture with very narrow growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically reddish or orange-brown, often with purplish highlights. Sapwood is a thin band of pale yellow or white. Color tends to darken to a deep brownish red with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,520 lbf (Hard) - exceptionally hard for a softwood, exceeding many hardwoods like White Oak.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay; moderate resistance to insects.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $30.00 per board foot; high price due to slow growth and scarcity of large, clear lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Live specimen shown; Yew is exceptionally slow-growing. The branches shown appear to be 3-7 years old, while the main trunk of a shrub this size could be 20-50 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Near Threatened (IUCN Red List). Not CITES listed, but protected in many European regions; harvesting is strictly regulated.
Common Uses
Longbows (historically), woodturning, fine furniture, luthiery (lutes), tool handles, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia (T. baccata) or Pacific Northwest of North America (T. brevifolia).
Workability
Excellent for hand and machine tools, though knots can cause tearout. Finishes to a very high natural luster and bends well with steam.
Finish Recommendations
Clear oils or shellac to highlight the vivid color and high natural luster; accepts stains well but usually left natural.
Notable Features
Highly toxic if ingested (contains Taxine alkaloids); features exceptional elasticity (perfect for bows); very heavy for a softwood.
