Western hemlock
Iteodha an Iar
Western hemlock navigation
Tsuga heterophylla
The western hemlock – botanical name Tsuga heterophylla – was introduced to Scotland in the 19th century for ornamental purposes. It has also been used commercially on a small scale.
Facts and statistics
Here are some interesting facts about western hemlock.
500 years.
50 metres with lower branch loss as the tree ages.
This tree has random needles of varying lengths, with green above and white below. Look out for its typical drooping appearance with downturned leading shoots.
Small, egg-shaped cones.
Over time its bark becomes furrowed into scaly ridges.
Western North America: Alaska to California
The wood has the ability to hold nails well and is used for building, box making and paper pulp. In the past the Indigenous people used the inner bark for bread making.