Western Hemlock | Tsuga heterophylla
A tall western hemlock tree. Photo Credit: Crusier
Western hemlock saplings growing in nursery pots.
A close up of western hemlock cones. Photo Credit: Sten Porse
Description
A fine-textured conifer with blunt-tipped, flat needles. Needles are all different lengths. A late successional forest species that was once much more extensive in the coast range. Utilized extensively by Native Americans.
Plant Details
| Habitats | Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland |
|---|---|
| Habitat Notes | Seedlings prefer to develop under shade. Occurs between sea level and mid-elevations (0-5500 ft) |
| Phenology | Cones mature in late September and open in October |
| Mature Height | 160 ft |
| Shade Preference | Shade, sun, part shade |
| Soil Tolerance | Moist, well-drained soils |
| Special Uses | Attracts birds; provides wildlife forage, cover and food; grown for timber production; bark used to make red or brown dye |
| Ethnobotany | Infusions of western hemlock bark were used for a variety of medicinal purposes (dermatological and gastrointestinal aid) |
