Western Hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

APPEARANCE

The western hemlock always has droopy new growth at the top of the tree with soft foliage and needles. A full grown tree can be 30 to 50 metres tall with numerous small green-brown cones and rough scaly bark.

RANGE & HABITAT

They grow along the B.C. coast and in the Rocky Mountains.

LIFE CYCLE

These trees can grow for over 200 years. They usually sprout in the damp old wood from a rotten tree or stump, and when they die and fall over, they will create more old wood for new seedlings to grow in.

ANIMAL USES

Western hemlock provides food and shelter for many birds and animals; the leaves are an important source of food for deer and elk. The seedlings of the tree are food for smaller animals like snowshoe hare and rabbits.

TRADITIONAL USES BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

The inner bark of the tree can be used to make bread and cakes by whipping it with snow and fish grease, and the needles of the tree are used for tea and spice. The wood is used to design carvings, utensils, combs, and dishes. The bark provides red dye and is used in tanning hides. The roots can make rope, fishing lines and clothing.