THE BOTANY

Yew

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YEW

Taxus Baccata

Family

Taxaceae

 

Distribution and habitat

Mild and cool climates. Native to Europe and Asia.

 

Description

Characterized by slow growth, it is an evergreen and very long-lived tree that can reach a height of about 15 meters. The leaves are linear and dark green, the trunk is reddish and the fruits are bright red. Leaves and seeds are very poisonous.

 

Uses and cultivation

Cultivated as an ornamental plant for hedges and often pruned into topiary forms. Requires fresh and moist soils.

 

Curiosity

The wood has historically been widely used for making bows (for hunting and warfare). It is one of the most poisonous plants found in Italy.

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TERRE BORROMEO

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE - TEMPORARY CLOSURES

• Luino mooring for boarding and disembarking at the Castelli di Cannero: Friday, September 5, 2025 – closed due to strong wind

 

• Isola Bella: Saturday, September 6, 2025 – early closure (ticket office and last admission at 12:00, palace closed at 12:30, garden at 13:00)

 

• Adventure Park: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September 2025 – closed all day

 

• Strada Borromea: from Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 September 2025 – closed all day

 

• Rocca di Angera: Friday, September 12, 2025 – early closure (last admission at 15:30, castle closed at 16:30)