Adaptation of a western hemlock?

Two adaptations enable western hemlock to thrive: It is shade tolerant and its seeds can germinate in organic material. Unlike Douglas fir, which requires bare soil for its seeds to germinate, western hemlock seeds will germinate in soil with a thick organic cover.

1. Why the hemlock hangs its head?
2. How do Western hemlocks grow?
3. What kind of tree is western hemlock?
4. Do western hemlocks have cones?
5. Is hemlock a redwood?
6. What does a grand fir look like?
7. What is the life cycle of a western hemlock?
8. How do you germinate western hemlock seeds?
9. What is western hemlock used for?
10. What is hemlock good for?
11. What are the properties of hemlock?
12. What is hemlock best used for?
13. What is the difference between fir and hemlock?
14. Is Western hemlock toxic?
15. Is hemlock a good firewood?

Why the hemlock hangs its head?

Douglas-fir and cedar were early and got to pick nice big cones. ... By the time he arrived, only the smallest, least desirable cones were left. That is why hemlock has small cones, and ever since then, hemlock hangs its head in shame for its cones.

How do Western hemlocks grow?

They need acidic soils that stay moist, but not wet, and frequent waterings. Like willows, hemlocks are riverbank trees, so if your site is elevated and dry, you may need to add a thick ring of mulch over your tree's root zone and consider installing a drip irrigation system to keep your tree looking its best.

What kind of tree is western hemlock?

Western hemlock is a large evergreen coniferous tree growing to 165–230 ft (50–70 m) tall, exceptionally 273.42 ft (83.34 m), and with a trunk diameter of up to 9 ft (2.7 m). It is the largest species of hemlock, with the next largest (mountain hemlock, T. mertensiana) reaching a maximum of 194 ft (59 m).

Do western hemlocks have cones?

The small, numerous seed cones are greenish to reddish-purple and turn brown with age. Dark brown to reddish-brown, becoming thick and strongly grooved with age.

Is hemlock a redwood?

The eastern hemlock is a forest giant. Affectionately nicknamed the 'redwood of the east', it can live for over 500 years and reach heights of more than 170 feet. ... Eastern hemlocks often grow along waterways in shady, moist habitats.

What does a grand fir look like?

Their color is a dark, shiny green on top with two white lines underneath. Cones: The cones sit upright on the branches near the treetop. Like other firs, grand fir cones fall apart at maturity, dispersing the winged seeds and leaving a cone core spike on the branch.

What is the life cycle of a western hemlock?

Outbreaks also sometimes occur in vigorously growing 80 to 100 year-old hemlock stands, and have occurred in stands as young as 60 years of age. Western hemlock looper outbreaks seem to occur repeatedly in the same geographic locations, i.e. they tend to occur in the “footprint” of previous outbreaks.

How do you germinate western hemlock seeds?

Mix sand, compost and manure together with the topsoil. Water the soil until it is thoroughly moist and scatter the hemlock seeds over the surface. Cover the seeds with about 1/2 inch of soil and water until it is thoroughly moist. The planting bed can be left alone until spring.

What is western hemlock used for?

Common Uses: Boxes, pallets, crates, plywood, framing, and other construction purposes. Comments: Western Hemlock is the largest of the hemlocks, and is one of the most valuable sources of exportable lumber for Canada; the species is also the state tree of Washington.

What is hemlock good for?

Despite serious safety concerns, hemlock leaves, root, and seeds are used to make medicine. It is used for breathing problems including bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma; and for painful conditions including teething in children, swollen and painful joints, and cramps. Hemlock is also used for anxiety and mania.

What are the properties of hemlock?

The wood is moderately light in weight, moderately soft, straight grained, nonresinous, and tasteless. It is odorless when dry, but has a sour odor when green. Black knots and dark streaks are the most striking features in the appearance of western hemlock lumber.

What is hemlock best used for?

Eastern hemlock is used primarily for lumber and paper pulp. About three-fourths of the hemlock lumber produced is used for light framing, sheathing, roofing, and subflooring.

What is the difference between fir and hemlock?

Hemlock has narrow, flat needles that are usually only one inch long. ... Fir has longer (3 inches on average) and more flat needles compared with hemlock. Upper surface of needles is usually green and shiny, while bottom side is covered with whitish stomata arranged in two rows.

Is Western hemlock toxic?

All parts of poison-hemlock (leaves, stem, fruit, and root) are poisonous. Leaves are especially poisonous in the spring, up to the time the plant flowers. ... Signs of poisoning usually appear within an hour after an animal eats the plant. Animals die from respiratory paralysis in 2 to 3 hours.

Is hemlock a good firewood?

Although it's classified as a softwood, hemlock can be a good firewood source as long as the wood is allowed to properly season before use.