Browsing ungulates: An important consideration in dieback and mortality of Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) in a northeastern Oregon stand

We examined 712 Pacific yew stems in a stand in the Blue Mountains to assess causes for yew dieback and mortality. Many living stems were dead or partially dead: 66% of the stems were 50% dead, and another 17% of the stems were dead. A high proportion (89%) of the mature stems had wounds. Assessment of wounding indicated that bark stripping by deer and elk was the primary cause and suggests that this factor is important in dieback and death of Pacific yew in the study area. Counts of seedlings and assessment of seedling age showed that most seedlings were between 1 and 3 years old with substantially fewer in the 3- to 6-year age class. Older seedlings were scarce. Severe damage to mature stems and lack of seedling recruitment (presumably because of ungulate browsing) raise questions about the continued viability of Pacific yew in this areaParks et al "Browsing ungulates: An important consideration in dieback and mortality of Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) in a northeastern Oregon stand." Northwest Science. 1998; 72(3): 190-19