There are many examples of yews whose two fragments are sufficiently
well developed to be regarded as two trees. It could be argued
that the ability to create two or more trees from one is another
of the yew’s many survival mechanisms. Sometimes the two
trees created grow at a similar rate and present an almost symmetrical
appearance. The 27ft girthed Stalisfield Yew in Kent offers a good
example of this and the cross section included provides evidence
that these have developed from a single hollow yew.
There are also instances where one fragment fails. At Overton-on-Dee,
where the many yews in its churchyard have earned it the title
of one of the “Seven Wonders of Wales”, the oldest
yew has its living fragment propped, while the smaller fragment
on the left of the photograph is dead. Protective railings have
since been placed around the tree.
At each of the next two sites can be found more than one ancient
yew - in both cases it is the largest girthed tree that has
fragmented. At Ystradfellte in Powys only a short piece of stump
remains of one of its fragments. The reason for it being cut off
close to the ground is not known. At Waldershare in Kent
(1999) the smaller fragment had leaned into the branches of a neighbouring
yew tree.
