How to identify Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

How to identify Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

Western hemlock, also known as West coast hemlock

Western hemlock rises majestically to heights of 150-195 feet (45-59 meters) with a considerable spread up to 30 feet (9 meters). Its significant girth can measure around 9 feet (2.7 meters) in diameter. This towering tree sports a broad, pyramidal silhouette, topped by a narrowly conical crown. Its distinctive foliage, a tapestry of dark green to bluish-gray needles, presents a fern-like, finely textured appearance. A noteworthy feature is the alternation in needle sizes along the stems, coupled with a unique marking—a pair of white bands on the needle's underside. Conical buds and small, brown seed cones, maturing in August, contribute to its characteristic look. The bark texture, grayish-brown with furrows and scales, further distinguishes this arboreal specimen.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Western hemlock

Foliage displays dark green to bluish-gray needles with fern-like texture and white bands on underside.

Needle alternation in sizes and brown seed cones with conical buds for a characteristic appearance.

Trunk transitions from dark brown to grayish bark with reddish inner bark streaked with purple.

Slim, yellowish-brown stem with fine hairs, leaf scars, and grayish-brown spherical buds.

Leaves are single, soft, spirally arranged needles with dentate margins and bright to dark green color.

Detailed Traits of Western hemlock

Leaf Features

The leaves of western hemlock are single, soft flat needles arranged spirally. They vary in length, alternating on the twig, and measure 0.25 to 0.75 inches (0.6 to 1.9 cm) long with rounded tips. New growth appears bright green, maturing to dark green. The underside is grayish-green or blue with two white bands, and the needle margins are finely dentate. These features are distinctive and aid in identifying the species.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of western hemlock is yellowish-brown, slender, and flexible, enhancing its delicate appearance. It features fine hairs that give the stem a slightly fuzzy texture. Rounded leaf scars are present along the length of the stem. The spherical buds are grayish brown and measure about 2.5 to 3.5 mm (0.1 to 0.14 inches) in diameter. These key characteristics, including the distinctive color and texture, are crucial for identifying the plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of western hemlock takes the form of a small, elliptical or egg-shaped seed cone measuring 0.6 to 1 inch (15 to 25 mm) in length and width. Mature cones exhibit a light brown hue and are embellished with ovate scales. The tip of each cone may present as either rounded or pointed. By late September, the cones contain 30 to 40 seeds, each 2-3 mm long, which are released in October when the cones open.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Western hemlock and Their Similar Plants

Eastern hemlock vs. Western hemlock: What's The Difference?

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) really takes its time to mature. In fact, it may take up to 300 years to reach what's considered adulthood among evergreen trees. It can even live for another 100 years if conditions are right. Other names for this majestic species include hemlock spruce and Canada hemlock.

Mountain hemlock vs. Western hemlock: What's The Difference?

Mountain hemlock (*Tsuga mertensiana*) is an evergreen, coniferous tree whose small seed cones are light to dark purple. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Prefers colder climates where the growing season is short and the winter is long.

Carolina hemlock vs. Western hemlock: What's The Difference?

It is an evergreen coniferous tree growing up to 30 m tall and 1.1 m in trunk diameter under forest conditions. The crown is compact and pyramidal, growing up to 8 m wide. The bark is thick, reddish-brown and becomes fissured between scaly ridges. The leaves are flattened, with a rounded or slightly notched apex.

Southern japanese hemlock vs. Western hemlock: What's The Difference?

Southern japanese hemlock is a conifer originally native to Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Yakushima in Japan, and the South Korean island of Ulleungdo. Gardeners in Europe and North America can grow it in warmer areas, and it has been enjoyed as an ornamental tree in these parts since 1861.

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Key Facts About Western hemlock

Attributes of Western hemlock

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

40 m

Spread

10 m

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

White

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Red

Fruit Color

Brown

Red

Green

Copper

Yellow

Purple

Gold

Lavender

Stem Color

Green

White

Brown

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Scientific Classification of Western hemlock

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

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Distribution Map of Western hemlock

Western hemlock is indigenous to the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest region in North America. Over time, it has been introduced to various parts of the temperate zones of Europe. Its presence is an illustration of a species being translocated beyond its natural range, adapting to similar climatic conditions in a new environment.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Western hemlock

A Comprehensive Guide to Western hemlock How to Grow and Care for Western hemlock