Mountain Hemlock

Scientific Classification

Mountain Hemlock Tree

Mountain Hemlock Pictures

Quick Information

Other Names	Hemlock spruce, black hemlock
Tree Type	Evergreen
Identification	Size: 66-131 ft (20-40 m) Trunk Diameter: 79 in (2 m) Needles (Leaves): ¼-1 in (7-25 mm) long and 1⁄32–1⁄16 in (1-1.5 mm) in breadth, with a blunt tip, and soft texture, glossy and yellow-green to bluish-green Bark: Gray, thin, and furrowed Cones:  Small, purple, cylindrical Seeds: Reddish-brown with a slender, pink-brown wing
Subspecies	Northern mountain hemlock (T. m. mertensiana) California mountain hemlock (T. m. grandicona)
Distribution	Nevada, California, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Alaska in the US, and British Columbia in Canada
Habitat	Found in snowy and cold subalpine habitats at elevations of 4,000-7,000 ft
Hardiness Zones	4-8
Growth Rate	Slow
Lifespan	800 years
Growing Conditions	Summer Conditions: Grows quicker in summer Winter Conditions: Requires winters that are mild to cold Rainfall: Needs high amount of rainfall Light Requirements: Full sun but shade tolerant Soil: Coarse, loose, well-drained soils with enough moisture
Diseases & Pests	Hemlock-willow rust, dwarf mistletoe, black stain root disease, red heart rot, hemlock sawfly, pine spittlebug, green velvet looper, western blackheaded budworm, etc.
Reproduction system	Monoecious
Propagation	By seeds and cuttings
Seedling Development	Germination happens easily
Wildlife Value	Offers a nesting site to many birds like the great horned owl, great gray owl, common raven, hairy woodpecker, common flicker, and many more
Uses	As an ornamental tree, also used to make small dimension lumber and pulp
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Mountain Hemlock Bark

Hemlock Mountain

Interesting Facts

• Karl Mertens, after whom the tree’s Latin name comes from, collected the first specimens in the late 1820s.
• The two most popular cultivars of the mountain hemlock are the ‘Blue Star’ and ‘Glauca.’

Mountain Hemlock Bonsai

Mountain Hemlock Cones

Mountain Hemlock Needles

Dwarf Mountain Hemlock

References:

1. https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/docs/bro/bro51.pdf
2. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/silviculture/tree-species-selection/tree-species-compendium-index/mountain-hemlock
3. https://tidcf.nrcan.gc.ca/en/trees/factsheet/295
4. https://www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/1588
5. https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/documents/treebook/mountainhemlock.htm
6. https://www.conifers.org/pi/Tsuga_mertensiana.php
7. https://www.conifers.org/pi/Tsuga_mertensiana.php

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Scientific Classification

Western Hemlock Tree

Western Hemlock Pictures

Western Hemlock

Western Hemlock Bonsai

Quick Information

Other Names	Western Hemlock-Spruce, Pacific Hemlock, Coast Hemlock, West Coast Hemlock
Size	Height: 50 to 70 m (165 to 230 ft); occasionally grows up to 83.34 m (273.42 ft) Trunk diameter: Up to 2.7 m (9 ft)
Identification	Leaves (Needles): Short-stalked, finely toothed, flat, 5-20 mm long, irregularly spare Cones: Ovoid, short-stalked, thin papery scales; greenish to reddish-purple turning brown with age Bark: Smooth and reddish-brown when young; becomes darker, ridged and scaly upon maturity
Shape at Maturity	Narrow crown, down-sweeping branches, drooping lead shoot
Tree Type	Evergreen
Distribution/Range	Alaska, California, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington (United States); Alberta, British Columbia (Canada)
Hardiness Zones	6
Growth Rate	Initially slow; once established, seedlings can grow at a rate of more than 24 inches per year
Lifespan	400-500 years
Growing Conditions	Winter Conditions: Average winter temperatures range from -10.9° to 8.5° C Summer Conditions: Average summer temperatures range from 11° to 20° C Rain: 560-1730 mm per year (Rocky Mountains); 380-6650 mm per year (Alaska, British Columbia) Sunlight: Tolerates shade Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, acidic, light sandy, medium loamy
Diseases and Pests	Dwarf mistletoe, Heterobasidionannosum, Phellinusweiri, Echinodontiumtinctorium, Rhizina undulate (root rot), Sirococcus strobilinus; western larch borer, weevil, and hemlock looper cause damage
Flowering/Fruiting	Floweringbegins in April, continues until May-June; cones mature 4-5 months after pollination, seeds ripen in September
Breeding System	Monoecious
Seed Production	Good cone crops occur after 25-30 years of age
Seedling Development	Germination is epigeal; seedlings are sensitive to cold, heat, drought, and wind
Wildlife Value	Black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk feed on the leaves and twigs; black bear cut through the bark of pole-size trees; mountain beaver, brush rabbit, and snowshoe hare clip off branches and stems of seedlings
Uses	For wood pulp, poles, railway ties, pilings, construction lumber; as specimen trees, hedging plants, and bonsai
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Washington State Tree

Tsuga Heterophylla

Western Hemlock Bark

Western Hemlock Leaf

Interesting Facts

• In 1947, western hemlock was designated as the “Washington State Tree.”
• Native people used hemlock bark as a tanning agent and cleansing solution, owing to its high tannin content.
• Its inner bark was used by the Alaska Indians to produce coarse bread.

Western Hemlock Cones

Western Hemlock Lumber

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsuga_heterophylla
2. https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/documents/treebook/westernhemlock.htm
3. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/tsuga/heterophylla.htm
4. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/42435/2980087
5. https://www.conifers.org/pi/Tsuga_heterophylla.php

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Canadian Hemlock

The Majestic Eastern Hemlock

The Eastern Hemlock, also known as the Canadian Hemlock, is one of the most significant trees in North America. Found in the temperate forests of northeastern United States and parts of Canada, this towering evergreen can grow up to 100 feet tall. Its distinctive, fine needles and delicate cones make it easily recognizable. It’s not just an ecological marvel; it has been crucial to human industries and cultures throughout history, from its valuable timber to its medicinal uses.

Eastern Hemlock

Eastern hemlock is a species of conifers found across eastern North America at elevations of 600-1800 meters (2,000-5,900 feet).

Scientific Classification

Canadian Hemlock Tree

Eastern Hemlock Tree

Physical Characteristics: A Towering Presence with Unique Foliage

The Eastern Hemlock is a majestic conifer that reaches impressive heights of up to 100 feet, with some exceptional specimens growing as tall as 174 feet. Its dark green, flat needles grow in a unique arrangement, and they measure 15-20 mm in length. The tree’s cones are small, ovoid, and light brown, ranging from 1.5-2.5 cm in length. The bark is thin, reddish-brown, and furrowed, offering protection from cold weather and pests. With its large, straight trunk and upward-reaching branches, the Eastern Hemlock has a striking appearance, which is enhanced by its slender, graceful form.

Key Features:

• Height: Up to 100 feet, with some reaching 174 feet
• Needles: Evergreen, flat, 15-20 mm in length
• Cones: Small, ovoid, 1.5-2.5 cm long
• Bark: Thin, reddish-brown, and furrowed

These features not only give the Eastern Hemlock its iconic appearance but also make it a vital contributor to the forests it inhabits.

Quick Information

Ecological Importance: Vital to Forest Health and Wildlife

The Eastern Hemlock plays an essential role in its ecosystem. Its dense canopy provides shade to the forest floor, reducing temperature fluctuations and supporting a variety of plants beneath. This makes it an important tree for maintaining biodiversity, as many plants rely on the cooler, shaded environment beneath the Hemlock. In addition to its role as a shade provider, the Eastern Hemlock also supports wildlife, offering shelter and food for various species, including deer and squirrels. The tree’s seeds, twigs, and foliage are commonly consumed by animals, while its hollow trunks serve as nests for birds.

Ecological Role:

• Shade and Temperature Regulation: Maintains cooler microhabitats for understory plants
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter, food, and nesting sites for various species
• Soil Stabilization: Its roots help prevent soil erosion in the forest

By supporting wildlife and contributing to the forest’s overall health, the Eastern Hemlock is integral to the balance of its ecosystem.

Uses and Value: From Timber to Traditional Medicine

Historically, the Eastern Hemlock has been highly valued for its wood and medicinal properties. Its wood, while soft and coarse-grained, is used in construction, pulp, and paper production. Native Americans and early settlers used the Hemlock‘s bark and twigs in teas for medicinal purposes, helping to relieve colds, fevers, and kidney ailments. The bark has also been used to treat wounds, further cementing its role in both industry and medicine.

Uses:

• Timber: Used for construction, pulp, and paper
• Medicinal Uses: Teas made from bark to treat fevers, colds, and kidney issues
• Cultural Significance: Native Americans used it for various healing remedies

From its valuable wood to its healing properties, the Eastern Hemlock has been a useful and versatile tree for centuries.

Eastern Hemlock Needles

Eastern Hemlock Leaf

Conservation and Challenges: Protecting the Hemlock

The Eastern Hemlock is currently listed as “Near Threatened” due to the growing impact of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, a pest that causes severe damage to its foliage and overall health. The spread of this invasive insect, along with diseases such as root rot, poses a significant threat to the long-term survival of the species. Conservation efforts focus on managing these pests and promoting the growth of rust-resistant Hemlock varieties. However, ongoing vigilance is needed to protect these trees and ensure their continued presence in North American forests.

Challenges:

• Invasive Pests: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid causes severe damage to the tree
• Diseases: Root rot and other pathogens threaten tree health
• Conservation Efforts: Pest management and restoration of healthy populations

Conservation strategies are crucial to preserving the Eastern Hemlock, ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from its ecological and economic value.

Interesting Facts

• The oldest recorded eastern hemlock, found in Pennsylvania, was more than 554 years old.
• The eastern hemlock is the state tree of Pennsylvania.
• Once it is cut down, the eastern hemlock tends to shed its needles quickly; this makes it unsuitable for being used as a Christmas tree.
• The leaves, twigs, and bark of eastern hemlock are used in tea, which provides relief from coughs, colds, fever, and kidney ailments.

Eastern Hemlock Bark

Canadian Hemlock Pictures

Canadian Hemlock Needles

Eastern Hemlock Cones

Summary: The Enduring Legacy of the Eastern Hemlock

The Eastern Hemlock is a majestic tree with a rich history and significant ecological role. From providing shade to supporting wildlife, this evergreen tree is an integral part of North America’s forests. Its long lifespan, stunning appearance, and valuable wood make it a symbol of strength and resilience. While it faces challenges from invasive pests and diseases, the Eastern Hemlock continues to thrive in many parts of its native range. With ongoing conservation efforts, this magnificent tree will remain a vital force in the forests for generations to come.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsuga_canadensis
2. https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs_journals/2020/rmrs_2020_steed_j001.pdf
3. http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=116

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