Western Hemlock

Tsuga heterophylla

Physical Characteristics

Tsuga heterophylla is an evergreen Tree growing to 70 m (229ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. 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

Western N. America - Alaska to N. California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Gum Tea Inner bark - raw or cooked[213, 257]. It can be dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[161]. It has also been used as a sweetener for other foods[257]. The inner bark was often cooked and then dried for use in the winter[256]. At its best in spring[172], it was one of the staple foods of the Alaskan Indians[82]. 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]. Pitch, obtained from crevices in the bark, has been chewed as a gum[257]. The leaves and young shoots have been chewed as an emergency food to keep one alive when lost in the woods[257]. A herbal tea is made from the leaves and shoot tips[172, 183]. These tips are also an ingredient of 'spruce beer'[183].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Parasiticide Poultice Skin Western hemlock was commonly employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The bark is astringent, diaphoretic and diuretic[21]. A decoction of the pounded bark has been used in the treatment of haemorrhages, tuberculosis and syphilis[257]. The boiled bark, combined with liquorice fern (Polypodium glyccyrhiza), has been used in the treatment of haemorrhages[257]. An infusion of the inner bark or twigs is helpful in the treatment of kidney or bladder problems[21]. It can also be used as a good enema for treating diarrhoea and as a gargle or mouthwash for mouth and throat problems[21]. Externally, it can be used as a wash on sores and ulcers[21, 257]. A poultice of the plant has been applied to bleeding wounds[257]. A moxa of the twigs has been used to get rid of warts[257]. The powdered bark can be put into shoes for tender or sweaty feet or for foot odour[21]. The gum obtained from the trunk has been applied to cuts[257]. It has been applied to the skin to prevent chapping and sunburn[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been used in the treatment of burns[257].

Known Hazards

None known