Yew
Taxus baccata • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but frequently irregular or wavy due to numerous small knots; tight, dense growth rings are characteristic of this slow-growing species.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a reddish-orange or brown, occasionally with purple or rose streaks. Sapwood is a contrasting pale yellow or white. Color tends to darken and become more uniform with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,600 lbf (Hard); notably hard for a softwood, exceeding many common hardwoods.
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional decay resistance and resistant to most insect attacks, though not totally immune to marine borers.
Common Uses
Woodturning (vases, bowls), cabinetry, archery bows (historically longbows), fine furniture, tool handles, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Western, Central, and Southern Europe, Northwest Africa, and Southwest Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 per board foot; can be higher for clear sections or large pieces due to its slow growth and rarity in wide dimensions.
Wood Age Estimate
The finished piece appears contemporary (less than 10 years old), but the tightness of the growth rings suggests the raw timber came from a very old, slow-growing branch or trunk.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List), but large trees are protected in many regions. Not CITES listed. Limited commercial availability makes FSC certification rare.
Workability
Generally easy to work despite its hardness; planes and turns well. It glues and finishes exceptionally well, though numerous small knots can cause localized tearout.
Notable Features
Highly toxic if ingested (contains taxines). It is one of the densest softwoods in the world and has remarkable elasticity, making it the premier wood for traditional bows.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear finishes like polyurethane, lacquer, or oils (tung or linseed) to highlight natural color contrast and chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of vivid orange-brown heartwood against pale sapwood, extremely tight growth rings, and the presence of 'pips' (small ingrown knots) is a classic signature of Yew.