MOUNT RAINIER The Forests of Mount Rainier National Park

WESTERN YEW (TAXUS BREVIFOLIA)¹

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¹This species is known as Oregon yew in Crater Lake National Park and as yew in Yellowstone and Glacier Parks.

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The western yew is found from southern Alaska to northern California. It occurs in the park up to 4,000 feet, growing in rich, gravelly soil on moist flats and benches and in deep ravines. It is a small branching tree, rarely over 20 feet high. The bark is purple or reddish brown. The branches extend almost to the ground. It bears a small, bright, amber-red berry.

The dark-brown or red heartwood is very tough, hard and heavy. It takes a find polish and is used for fancy cabinetwork. The Indians use it for spear handles, bows, and fishhooks.