Tsuga Heterophylla

Common Name(s):

Western Hemlock, Western Hemlock-Spruce

Phonetic Spelling:

SOO-ga het-er-oh-FIL-uh

Description:

Initially, it grows slowly, but full-light seedlings can grow at an average of 60 cm or 2 feet yearly. Characterized by its two white bands on the underside of its leaves and flat, yellow to dark green needles. Also by its drooping branch tips and dark brown bark with rugged sides ridges. Can grow up to 45m but even taller in their native habitats. Grows best in moist climates and worst in hot, dry conditions. Can live up to even 1,200 years in higher elevations.

Distribution/Location: 

Native to the west coast of North America and Can grow on the Pacific coast and the northern Rocky Mountains from California all the way to Kenai Peninsula in Alaska.

Environmental Concern(s):

Can be killed when gravely defoliated by caterpillars and fires as it has a low fire tolerance. Otherwise are a low concern for conservation status as its population is increasing.

Citation(s):

https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/tsuga/heterophylla.htm#:~:text=Initial%20growth%20is%20slow%3B%202,by%20layering%20and%20from%20cuttings.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/western-hemlock/#:~:text=Western%20hemlock%20is%20best%20suited%20to%20moister%20climates.,-Credit%3A%20Keith%20Burdett&text=Leaves%20have%20two%20white%20bands%20on%20the%20underside.,-Credit%3A%20Ernie%20Janes&text=Broadly%20conical%20in%20habit%20with,dark%20brown%20with%20rugged%20ridges.

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/lm_hcp_west_oldgrowth_guide_wh_hires.pdf

Learn More:

https://eol.org/pages/1033656