The yew tree (scientific name: Taxus baccata) is one of the most mystical and ancient trees in the world, deeply rooted in mythology, folklore, and spiritual symbolism.
 Mature yew trees can grow to 20m. The bark is reddish-brown with purple tones, and peeling. The yew is probably the most long-lived tree in northern Europe.

Yew trees are associated with churchyards and there are at least 500 churchyards in England which contain yew trees older than the buildings themselves. It is not clear why, but it is thought that yew trees were planted on the graves of plague victims to protect and purify the dead, and also in churchyards to stop 'commoners' from grazing their cattle on church ground as yew is extremely poisonous to livestock.

Did you know?

The Romans believed that yews grew in hell.

The yew is incredibly long-lived and is not considered ancient until it reaches 900 years old. Ten yew trees in Britain are believed to predate the 10th century.