Tsuga canadensis
Owner: Dick & Ruth Ann Logan
Nominator: Dick & Ruth Ann Logan
Height: 28.1 m (92.2 ft)
Diameter: 114.46 cm (45 in)
Circumference: 359.4 cm (141.5 in)
Description
Eastern Hemlock , also called Canada hemlock or hemlock spruce, is a slow-growing long-lived tree which unlike many trees grows well in shade. It may take 250 to 300 years to reach maturity and may live for 800 years or more. A tree measuring 193 cm (76 in) in DBH and 53.3 m (175 ft) tall is among the largest recorded. Hemlock bark was once the source of tannin for the leather industry; now the wood is important to the pulp and paper industry. Many species of wildlife benefit from the excellent habitat that a dense stand of hemlock provides. This tree is also often used for ornamental plantings. Its native range extends from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, southern Quebec and south-central Ontario, throughout the New England States, southward into northern Georgia and Alabama. It prefers a cool humid climate and moist soils with good drainage.
Godman, R. M. & Lancaster, K. (1990, December). Silvics of North America, Volume 1: Conifers. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Retrieved date (2010, December 14th) from http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/table_of_contents.htm
Eastern Hemlock branch and seed cones
(Source: R. Merrilees)