Western Hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

Photo Credit: Peter Stevens from Seattle, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Photo Credit: Willow&Monk at Flickr, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Plant Description

Handsome, delicate-looking conifer with characteristic drooping top. Seedlings prefer to develop under shade in rich, moist environments. In the forest they frequently grow on nurse logs, using the nutrients from decaying trees to support their establishment. Important winter food and shelter for birds and other critters. Utilized extensively by Native Americans.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Conifer Tree
Habitats	Forest openings Little Habitats Mixed hardwood-conifer forests Residential yards
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Moist Nutrient rich soil
Special Uses	Attracts birds Deer resistant Evergreen Grown for timber production Perennial Produces sap Produces seeds Provides soil stabilization Provides wildlife habitat Restoration/revegetation Woody
Shade Preference	Full shade Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	50-200’