Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

Western hemlock is a tall, graceful evergreen conifer that is a common sight in the coastal forests of BC. It has finely textured, lustrous green foliage on drooping lateral branches that give it a lacy, delicate appearance. It is valued as an ornamental specimen tree for large gardens and landscapes, and has high ecological value, serving as a climax species and interacting with many different organisms in its native range. It is very shade tolerant, and grows best in cool, moist climates, in soil that is acidic and high in organic matter. Young trees grow slowly in the shade, but once established, grow 2' or more per year, and can live to be hundreds of years old.

Sun Exposure: Sun to shade
Soil & Moisture: Moist to seasonally dry, humus-rich, acidic, well-drained soil
Mature Size: Up to 200' tall, long lived
Bloom Time: Cones develop in spring
Edible: Yes
Wildlife Value: Attracts beneficial insects. Butterfly and moth larval host. Seeds are eaten by birds and mammals. Provides cover and nesting sites. Browsed by deer, elk and other wildlife.
Native Range & Habitat: Moist forests from low to middle elevations. Native to western North America from Alaska, south to northern California.
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