PACIFIC YEW WOOD
Pacific Yew, Taxus brevifolia, is very similar in color to its relative English Yew, Taxus baccata. The sapwood is a cream color while the heartwood is a combination of amber, purple, tan and gold. It is used in cabinet making when an “elegant rustic look” is desired – elegant because of the way the colors radiate after finishing, rustic due to knots and bark pockets. As one of the hardest softwoods, it is a prime wood for canoe paddles and archery supplies. Be careful not to use it around food in that it can be quite toxic.
Characteristics of Pacific Yew
| Origin of Wood Type | Pacific Northwest of North America |
| Botanical Name | Taxus brevifolia |
| Specific Gravity | 0.67 |
| Avg. Weight Per BF | 3.5 lb/ bf |
| Color Range | Brown – Red- Gold |
| Rarity / Availability | Not Readily Available |
| Typical Avg. Width | 3″ to 12″ |
| Typical Avg. Length | 6′ to 10′, sometimes larger available |
| Avg. Waste Factor | 1 |
| Wood Uses | Furniture, Architectural Millwork, Outdoor Uses, Wood Turning, Wood Carving, Fences, Posts, Veneer, Cabinetry, Canoe Paddles, Archery Supplies and more |
| Lumber Grades | Flitch |
| Other Trade Names | Pacific Yew or Western Yew |
***Call for availability – 1.610.932.7400***
Sample Photos of Pacific Yew
Please Note: The photos below are examples of the species and may no longer be products available for sale.
All pictures of wood that appear wet, have been sprayed with denatured alcohol to show the natural color. We use denatured alcohol because it evaporates and does not affect the moisture content.
