Eibe auf Haus Rath, Natural monument and ancient yew tree in Elfrath, Krefeld, Germany

The Eibe auf Haus Rath is a yew with a deeply furrowed, reddish-brown trunk that splits into two vertical stems and reaches a circumference of 4.5 metres. Its hollow core is held together by anchors installed over several decades. The tree stands on a raised motte; behind it, a white wall with a rectangular window is visible.

This tree was likely planted around the 12th century, growing alongside Haus Rath as it developed from its origins as a water castle. The fortress was originally controlled by the Archbishop of Cologne, making the area an important regional stronghold.

Legend holds that Ulrich von Linn shot a yew-wood arrow toward Haus Rath and it lodged in the castle mound, sprouting into this tree. The street Zur Eibe in the neighbouring new estate is named after the yew.

The tree is located on private property within the castle grounds and requires special permission to visit. Plan ahead by contacting the property owners to arrange access, as this is not a freely accessible public site.

Scientific estimates suggest this tree may be between 450 and 850 years old, making it the oldest in the Krefeld municipal area. This age places it among the most ancient living specimens in the entire region.