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western hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

The western hemlock is a tall tree with soft, green needles and hanging cones. It grows in cool, moist forests and provides homes for many animals.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The western hemlock is an evergreen conifer with soft, flat, dark green needles of varying lengths arranged spirally. Its most unique feature is a gracefully drooping, whip-like leader (top shoot). It also produces small, pendulous, light brown cones.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyPinaceaeGenusTsuga
western hemlock
shade_tolerant trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgeconiferous trait badgeevergreen trait badge
western hemlock

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

67

Interesting facts

Ancient hemlocks often begin life atop decaying "nurse logs"!

Its wood is prized for making strong paper and musical instruments.

Native tribes made vitamin C-rich tea from young needles.

The tree's tip always droops, like a friendly nod to the forest floor!

Special abilities

Ability

Nurse Log Nurturer

This tree can sprout its seeds and grow directly on decaying fallen logs, using the 'nurse log' for water and nutrients.

Ability

Snow Shedder

Its flexible, drooping top shoot helps it shed heavy snow and ice, preventing branches from breaking under the weight.

Measurements & details

Height
2000-7000 cm
Spread
400-700 cm
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Watch

Ecological connections

eats

Black-tailed deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Browses on its young needles and twigs.

eats

Douglas squirrel

Tamiasciurus douglasii

Collects and stores its small seeds from cones.

shelters

American black bear

Ursus americanus

Uses large hollow trees or roots for dens.

shelters

Red-breasted nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

Forages on bark and nests in tree cavities.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Stay on paths and don't climb trees without an adult's help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is western hemlock?

2000-7000 cm

How wide does western hemlock spread?

400-700 cm

Is western hemlock edible?

Yes

Is western hemlock toxic?

None

What is western hemlock's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is western hemlock pollinated?

Wind

Where is western hemlock usually found?

Forests

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