Eastern Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
About
Eastern Hemlock
The Appearance
Eastern Hemlock is a tall, conical evergreen tree with a slightly drooping top, featuring short, flat, dark green needle-like leaves with two white lines underneath, and reddish-brown, deeply furrowed bark.
The Produce
The tree produces small, pendant cones that are about 1/2 to 1 inch long. The cones are green when immature and turn brown as they mature, typically hanging from the ends of branches.
The Flowers
Eastern Hemlock produces small, inconspicuous flowers. Male flowers are small, yellow, and round, found in clusters, while female flowers are tiny and green, located at the branch tips.
The Leaves
The leaves of the Eastern Hemlock are short, flat, and needle-like. They are green with two white parallel lines underneath.
The Habitat
Native to eastern North America, Eastern Hemlock thrives in cool, moist environments, often found in shaded areas of mixed forests, along streams, and on rocky hillsides.
The Ecology
Eastern Hemlock provides critical habitat for various wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects. Its dense canopy offers shade, cooling forest streams and maintaining aquatic habitats.
The Culture
Historically, Eastern Hemlock bark was used for tannin extraction in the leather tanning industry. The tree is also valued for its aesthetic appeal in landscaping and as a source of timber.
Fun Facts
Eastern Hemlock is known for its longevity, with some trees living for over 800 years. It is also the state tree of Pennsylvania.
Explore Deeper With The Interactive Map
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Arboretum Index
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