FORESTS OF MOUNT EAIXIER NATIONAL PARK. 



29 



WESTERN YEW (TAXUS BREVIFOLIA) - 1 



The western yew is found from southern Alaska to northern Cali- 

 fornia. It occurs in the park up to 4,000 feet, growing in rich, 

 gravelly soil on moist flats and benches and in deep ravines. It is 

 a small branching tree, rarely over 20 feet high. The bark is purple 

 or reddish brown. The branches extend almost to the ground. It 

 bears a small, bright, amber-red berry. 



The dark-brown or red heartwood is very tough, hard and heavy. 

 It takes a fine polish and is used for fancy cabinetwork. The Indians 

 use it for spear handles, bows, and fishhooks. 



FIG. 22. Broadleaf ruaple (Acer macrophyllum ) . 



DECIDUOUS TREES. 



The silva of the Western Cascades is rich in evergreens remarkable 

 for their size and beauty. The deciduous trees are few and insignifi- 

 cant. The forests of the park are almost wholly coniferous. Vine 

 maple and willow are found as undergrowth. On the margins of 

 rivers there are occasional groves of alders and cottonwoods. The 

 lighter hues of the branching trunks and the changing tints of the 



1 This species is known as Oregon yew in Crater Lake National Park and as yew in 

 Yellowstone and Glacier Parks. 



