English Yew Taxus and European Silver Fir

The common yew is a conifer whose distribution has greatly decreased during the past centuries; today it is protected by law in most countries. In the Middle Ages, its wood was widely used to make bows, and, later, costly furniture, and so, with its slow rate of growth, the yew slowly disappeared from the forests.

The larch is a sun-loving, fast-growing tree that requires abundant light and clean air. It is resistant to frost (except when the leaves are young) and heat, and its large, cordate root system provides it with firm anchorage. It is a very attractive tree, especially with the fresh, green foliage of spring.

The wood is of high quality, with a great expanse of reddish-brown heartwood. It is very durable and is much used in the building of boats, wall-panelling, light furniture, wooden staircases, etc.

The related form Pseudotsuga glauca Mayr. grows in the Rocky Mountains at heights above 2000 metres. It has a thinner and less deeply furrowed bark, blue-green needles and cones with reflexed bracts. It has a slower rate of growth and is more suitable as an ornamental.

The Norway spruce is a typical tree of the mountain forests of central Europe and the northern European taiga. It has a narrow, conical crown with branches arranged in regular whorls, and grows to heights of more than 40 metres, in virgin stands up to 60 metres at the age of 400 to 700 Years. The bark is brown and furrowed. The leaves, rhomboid in section, are borne on peg-like projections, a typical characteristic of all spruces, which give the twig a rough surface when the leaves have fallen. The female flowers resemble small, erect reddish “candles” at first, but later change into pendant brown, elongate cones. The winged seeds are shed on warm and windy spring days.

The Norway spruce has a fairly shallow and spreading root system and is, therefore, easily uprooted by strong winds. It does not require a warm climate and is resistant to frosts. Its range in Europe extends to the polar regions and to altitudes up to the tree line. In hilly country it prefers cool and shady valleys. It grows well in shade but requires fertile soil and moist air. It is marked by great variation and occurs in a number of different forms. The soft and flexible wood is widely used in the building industry, and the bark yields tannins.