Common Name: English yew
Scientific Name: Taxus baccata
Category: Historic tree
Comments: This tree is now deceased. The old English Yew at the Custis Site at Colonial Williamsburg may be our only (formerly) living representative of the 18th century. We know that John Custis (1678 - 1749) grew yews on this property from several different sources, the first coming in a 1717 order he places with the London firm of Perry, Lane & Perry: "I have lately got into the vein of gardening and have made a handsome garden to my house and desire you will lay out 5? for me in handsome striped hollys and yew trees." John Bartram visited John Custis in 1739 and wrote: "I saw in friend Custice garden some fine yew trees." Local legend has it that the tree was planted by Martha Washington, John's daughter-in-law but this is doubtful. It is entirely hollow so there is no way to date it, but it may very well have been planted in the 18th century
Dendrology Notes: Deceased
Best time to photograph: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, or call for different time.
Nominator: Wesley Greene
This tree is not on public or publicly accessible property. The owner's name, address, and the exact location of the tree are not displayed to protect the privacy of these individuals. If you are the owner and wish to make this information public, please let us know.
County/City: Williamsburg