Google says this about yew; Of most concern is that the dust is highly toxic to some people (more people than with other woods) causing breathing difficulties, sneezing fits and dermatitis (especially swelling of hands)Thanks Gerald. That is an informative link. It says that the poisonous parts are “bark, fruit, leaves, seeds.”
Here’s our small Irish Yew bowl. If it were me, I’d go for it - carefully. It’s beautifully tight-grained woodView attachment 35526 View attachment 35527
Sometimes those toxins are good for you. Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia) is the source of Taxol (Paclitaxel), one of the most successful anti-cancer drugs used in the treatment of breast, lung, and ovarian cancer, as well as Kaposi's sarcoma. Not suggesting you eat it, just a fun fact.
I am wondering if we have a couple of different species of Yew. I am used to the one that taxol comes from, which can grow very tall and you could get some excellent long bow blanks from. They don't have those berries though. I remember some from when I was a kid in the midwest, and they were more shrubs and had the red berries. Never saw any that got anywhere near a size you could get long bow blanks from. Never saw one that got close to the size of the one that Leo is standing next to...
robo hippy
Yes there are. I’ll have to try to get his input.There are some yew hollow forms posted in the gallery today