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 – 1.888.814.0007