The native yew (Taxus baccata) can be found primarily as an ornamental or hedge plant in many gardens. Many people have already considered whether the attractive conifer could also be used as a Christmas tree. But does that even make sense?
Is the yew tree recommended as a Christmas tree?
The yew tree can basically be used as a Christmas tree because it stays fresh for a long time and can be cut into shape. However, it is less suitable for children and pets due to its toxicity.
Can you use yew as a Christmas tree?
Basically, the native European oak (Taxus baccata), as well as the cup yew (Taxus media), which is no less used as an ornamental plant, are ideal as a Christmas tree. In contrast to the firs otherwise used for this purpose (e.g. the Nordmann fir), yews stay fresh for a very long time and the needles seem to stay on the tree forever.
The tree can also be cut into shape so that you can train your Christmas tree into the desired growth form in advance. Yew trees can be used as a Christmas tree either when cut or in a pot. You can use the tree as a potted pine every year.
Where can I buy yew as a Christmas tree?
You are unlikely to find a yew tree at the classic Christmas tree sellers. Sometimes you can - of course only with the permission of the responsible forester! – You can also cut your own Christmas tree in the forest, perhaps using a beautifully grown yew tree.
However, trees in the wild have now become rare, so you either have to use a specimen from your own garden or a potted pine tree from the garden center. Yew trees are very adaptable and can be cultivated in planters for years.
How do I care for yew as a Christmas tree?
So that the needles stick to the branches for as long as possible and the Christmas tree stays fresh, it needs enough water. That's why potted fir trees are particularly suitable as a Christmas tree - you can put them in the living room if necessary, decorate them, water them regularly and take the tree back outside after Christmas.
Fallen trees should be placed in a stand with a water reservoir. After the festival, you can dispose of the tree or chop it up, but it is better not to use it as mulching material or compost it.
Why should I avoid using yew as a Christmas tree?
The serious disadvantage of the yew tree is its great toxicity: all parts of the plant, with the exception of the red pulp, are poisonous. Just a few needles or berries can cause potentially fatal poisoning, with vomiting and even respiratory paralysis.
Therefore, you should avoid using the yew tree as a Christmas tree if possible, especially if you have children and/or pets. Usually, mere skin contact with parts of the yew tree is not poisonous, but they must not get into the oral mucosa (or into the inside of the body in any other way).
Tip
Other suitable Christmas trees
Instead of the boring fir or the poisonous yew, you can also use other conifers. For example, (columnar) juniper, (columnar) arborvitae, cypress, cork fir, sugarloaf spruce or dwarf pine can also be used as a Christmas tree. The species mentioned are often available as miniature versions that can be cultivated in pots and do not take up much space in the living room.