Canadian Hemlock, Eastern hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

Physical Characteristics

Tsuga canadensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from November to February. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Georgia, west to Alberta and Minnesota.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Ground Cover; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Inner bark - raw or cooked[213]. Usually harvested in the spring[2], it can be dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[2, 46, 161]. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails[183]. The leaves and twigs yield 'spruce oil', used commercially to flavour chewing gum, soft drinks, ice cream etc[183]. A herbal tea is made from the young shoot tips[2, 62, 95, 159, 183, 257]. These tips are also an ingredient of 'spruce beer'[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antipruritic Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Dysentery Eczema Skin Styptic Canadian hemlock was commonly employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is still sometimes used in modern herbalism where it is valued for its astringent and antiseptic properties. The bark is rich in tannin and is astringent and antiseptic[222, 254]. A decoction is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, colitis, diverticulitis and cystitis[254]. Externally, it is used as a poultice to cleanse and tighten bleeding wounds, as a douche to treat excessive vaginal discharge, thrush and a prolapsed uterus, and as a mouthwash and gargle for gingivitis and sore throats[222, 254]. The poultice has also been applied to the armpits to treat itchiness there[257]. The inner bark is diaphoretic and styptic[21, 213, 257]. An infusion is used in the treatment of colds and abdominal pains[21, 213, 257]. A decoction of the inner bark has been applied externally in the treatment of eczema and other skin conditions[257]. The pulverized inner bark has been applied to cuts and wounds to stop the bleeding[257]. A tea made from the leafy twig tips is used in the treatment of dysentery, kidney ailments, colds and rheumatism[21, 222, 257]. Externally, it is used in steam baths for treating colds, rheumatism and to induce sweating[222]. A decoction of the branches has been boiled down to a syrup or thick paste and used as a poultice on arthritic joints[257]. A poultice of the crushed branch tips has been used to treat infections on an infants navel[257]. Hemlock pitch has been used externally as a counter-irritant in the treatment of rheumatism[213].

Known Hazards

None known