In the north-western part of the province of Lombardy's capital city, adjacent to Legnano, the town of Cerro Maggiore is one of those densely populated municipalities with a strong manufacturing vocation in the foothills.

Even in dense urban fabrics, however, it is possible to discover very interesting trees. One of these is the yew (Taxus baccata), which lives in the park of the 19th-century Villa Dell'Acqua, now home to the municipal library.
With a trunk circumference of 3.80 metres (diameter over 120 cm) and a height of almost 20 metres, it is one of the largest yews in the region. This conifer has been used for ornamental purposes for centuries and, due to its good resistance to pruning, it is one of the most frequently used species in topiary, the art of pruning trees and shrubs by giving them a geometric shape. Historically, its wood, elastic and durable, has always been very popular for making bows: even the famous longbows of the old English armies were made of yew.
Another peculiarity of the species is the fact that its branches, leaves and seeds are highly poisonous, only the characteristic red berries are not toxic to humans and animals. This is why is called the 'tree of death'.
A green monument that is accessible to the public during park opening hours.

(Ph: Luca Pernechele)