Does this look like yew

[Sidewinder]

rps3 it looks to me like you already proved you can get a bow from it. Nice bend on a short piece, regardless of what it is. Good job.   Danny

[Matt Heppe]

I found some huge ornamental yews recently. Does ornamental yew make a decent bow? If so I am in good shape.

[Del the cat]

I found some huge ornamental yews recently. Does ornamental yew make a decent bow? If so I am in good shape.

If you can find a bit without too many knots it may be ok.
You might find it's a bit rubber compared with the best stuff, but if it is then try heat tempering the belly.
Even poor Yew is still a pretty good bow wood.
Del
(Other opinions may vary... terms and condition apply... bowyers must be 8 years or over)

[DarkSoul]

Does ornamental yew make a decent bow? If so I am in good shape.

Do you think the tree knows it is supposed to be just ornamental? It is still yew, regardless of its purpose. Any yew will make a nice bow, but typical ornamental trees are fast grown with thick rings. This type of wood is not nearly as good as fine ringed 'wild' yew. Although I'm always on the look out for wild yew, I certainly wouldn't put down a yew log simply because it's from an ornamental tree!