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 PART 13— YEWS 



THE WOOD OF ENGLISH YULETIDE AXD MEDIAEVAL ARCHERY 

 VALUABLE ORNAMENTAL EVERGREENS 



The collection of Yews is located on the east slope of the ridge 

 between the Central Drive through the Garden and the narrow 

 open meadow to the east of it (Map p. 137). We shall begin at the 

 southern end of the collection and proceed northward along the 

 path. 



The first upright yew on our right close to the exposed rocky 

 formation at the curve in the path is 



Taxus cuspidata var. pyramidalis, Pyramidal Japanese-Yew 



This is an example of varietal possibilities in horticultural prac- 

 tice. This particular variety is not generally recognized but the 

 tree at hand was received from a nursery under this name. It 

 probably arose from a cutting taken from the terminal growth of a 

 Japanese Yew for such cuttings are known to produce upright 

 plants. Side cuttings generally form spreading plants. 



Xext is a lower, bushier, and broader yew. It is 



Taxus baccata var. aurea, the Golden English-Yew 



This is a distinct variety of the English Yew. Its leaves are 

 golden yellow in early summer, later losing their brilliance. This 

 variety may at first be confused with the somewhat similar Varie- 

 gated English- Yew which we shall soon meet. Distinctions will 

 then be noted. 



The next lower and very dense evergreen that covers the ground 

 beneath it is 



Taxus baccata var. repandens, the Spreading English- Yew 



This is a very attractive form that lends itself well to many 

 situations. It has graceful drooping foliage and forms a very 

 dense growth close to the ground, only a foot or so in depth. Its 

 leaves seem unusually long for an English Yew and resemble those 

 of the Japanese. But the low weeping habit of the plant betrays it. 



