Western Hemlock | Tsuga heterophylla

A lush forest scene filled with tall, green trees under a clear blue sky. Sunlight filters through the foliage.
A tall western hemlock tree. Photo Credit: Crusier
The image shows several young trees in black pots, surrounded by lush green foliage in a bright, sunny environment.
Western hemlock saplings growing in nursery pots.
The image features a close-up of a tree branch with green leaves and brown pine cones, set against a blurred outdoor background.
A close up of western hemlock cones. Photo Credit: Sten Porse
A lush forest scene filled with tall, green trees under a clear blue sky. Sunlight filters through the foliage.
The image shows several young trees in black pots, surrounded by lush green foliage in a bright, sunny environment.
The image features a close-up of a tree branch with green leaves and brown pine cones, set against a blurred outdoor background.

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)