Yew tree, St Michael's Churchyard

Image: © Maigheach-gheal Taken: 23 Apr 2010

The ancient tradition that this evergreen sheltered the first Christian missionaries to Britain before their churches were built is one of the many explanations put forward to account for the large numbers of yews found in country churchyards. The yew is also a life symbol, and was sometimes scattered on graves. The longbows of medieval archers came from straight, knot-free lengths cut from tall, selected trees. But these were unlikely to be churchyard yews – the best bow staves were imported from Spain. Under the tree is a wonderful display of primroses. They have two types of flower to ensure pollination by insects with long tongues, such as Bees and Wasps. Ants are attracted to the food stored in the seeds; they also disperse the seeds. In the Middle Ages, a concoction was made from the foliage for treating gout and rheumatism, and an infusion of the roots was used for headaches. When planted in a garden or hung dried on the front door, primroses will attract the company of Faeries. If you have them growing under your care, do not let them die! The Faeries will be deeply offended by your carelessness.

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