Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

image of leaves & cones from the U. of WI

image of leaves & cones from the U. of WI

Foliage Type:

needle-like

Arrangement:

single

Distinguishing features: leaves - linear, tapering from base to tip, 5/16" to 9/16" leaves - spirally ranked, but commonly 2-ranked (180 degrees) leaves - conspicuously petioled, typically flattened, 2 broad bands of stomata beneath leaves frequently serrulate above the middle, apex is blunt twigs rough when the leaves are removed cones - singular, pendent, 5/8" to 1" long

Habitats:	mesic sites wet mesic sites wet sites
Often confused with:	Balsam fir Black spruce
Ecological Value:	seeds and leaves eaten by grouse twigs browsed by deer, squirrel, hare and rabbit
Did You Know?	Hemlock seeds geminate in old partially decayed stumps. lifespan may exceed 600 years; record age is 988 years. is a poor Christmas tree because the needles fall when dry. tree knots are so hard they can chip axes. when burned, Hemlock "throws" sparks.
Uses / Ethnobotanical uses:	American Indians used tea from leafy twig tips for kidney ailments, in steam baths for rheumatism, colds & coughs, & to induce sweating. inner-bark tea used for colds, fevers, diarrhea, coughs, "stomach troubles" and scurvy externally used as a wash for rheumatism and to stop bleeding bark (very astringent) used as poultice for bleeding wounds used for tanning leathers tea made from leaves inner bark made into flour inner bark tea used as mouthwash or toothpaste for swollen gums settle stomachs and cure diarrhea stronger tea used for skin wash and antiseptic for sores, abrasions, stings, sunburn and poison ivy powdered bark sprinkled in shoes to cut down on discomfort of sweaty tender feet. Cuts down on foot odor. applied to underarms and groin to cut down human odor when stalking. pulp used in railroad ties (holds spike) bark rich in tannin