Idaho Fish and Game reminds Blaine County residents about yew ordinance

KETCHUM, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Following the death of a moose in the Wood River Valley, talks resume about obeying the yew ordinance.

The moose was recently found deceased in the Hulen Meadows Subdivision, north of Ketchum.

Although Idaho Fish and Game officers were unable to perform a necropsy due to the moose being removed from the area, the concern for safety still remains.

Ornamental yew plants are deadly to wildlife, in fact between 2021 and 2022; more than 20 elk died due to eating this plant.

Residents should inspect the landscaping around their homes and remove all yew plants, especially during the winter months when wildlife moves down into the historic winter range.

Four types of yews or their hybrids are commonly found in residential and commercial landscapes across the western U.S. The Japanese yew is the most common type planted in southern Idaho. All four are poisonous:

• Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata)–native to Japan and neighboring regions; many varieties are widely planted in the US; a shrub or small tree, with some varieties reaching 40 ft tall
• English yew, or European yew (Taxus baccata)–native to Eurasia; many varieties are widely planted in the US; a shrub or small tree, with some varieties reaching 50 ft tall
• Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis, T. sumatrana, T. celebica)–native to Asia; a few varieties of these three species are sometimes planted in the US; a shrub or small tree
• Canadian yew, northern yew (Taxus canadensis)–native to eastern North America; a few varieties are planted in the US; a low-growing shrub to 5 ft tall

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