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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.
Key details
- Height
- 2000-7000 cm
- Spread
- 400-700 cm
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Traits
Shade TolerantBroadleaf TreeConiferousEvergreenTimberAncient LineageForestLongevous
What this page adds
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.
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.
