A yew is an evergreen tree or shrub with dark green, needle-like leaves and bright red berries. Yews grow slowly and can live for thousands of years. Some yews in England are older than the medieval cathedrals built near them.

Yews have deep roots in history and legend. In medieval England, yew wood was prized for making longbows, the powerful weapons that helped English archers win famous battles. The wood is strong, flexible, and springs back into shape well, making it ideal for bows. Because yews were so valuable for warfare, laws required people to plant them in churchyards.

Nearly every part of the yew tree is poisonous to humans and animals. The seeds, leaves, and bark contain toxins that can be deadly if eaten. Only the fleshy red part around the seed is less poisonous, but the seed inside is still very dangerous. Despite this danger, scientists discovered that compounds from yew bark could be used to create important cancer-fighting medicines.

The yew's combination of beauty, longevity, usefulness, and danger has made it a symbol in many cultures. Ancient peoples associated yews with immortality because of how long they live. Today, gardeners still plant yews as elegant hedges and ornamental trees, carefully keeping them trimmed and away from curious pets or children.